THE Local Government Ombudsman is to be asked to investigate a complaint over a controversial South Craven planning application at an historic building.

The Herald revealed last week how Sutton residents had already been fired up over a proposed single-storey extension to East Lodge at the grade II listed 19th century archway on Hall Drive. Now a family living near the site is to file a complaint with the Ombudsman for maladministration, claiming it was misled by Craven planners.

Stephen and Tracey Shrimpton say they were not properly consulted by Craven District Council's planning department.

Mr Shrimpton said planning notices delivered to homes last September bore no relation to the actual development passed by Craven District Council earlier this month. He visited the Skipton-based planning office this week to inspect the amended plans.

"I was horrified at what I found because it showed a completely different building and not only did it border my property but would be overlooking my garden," said Mr Shrimpton.

"The consequence of this is that I will lose my privacy as one of the elevations is looking straight into my bedroom.

"I feel that I have been disenfranchised by having my right to consult and the right of response removed either by accident or design."

The Shrimpton's case is being backed by Sutton district councillors Ken Hart and Steve Place.

"Residents claim to have been misled by Craven District Council and would have objected in the strongest possible terms had they been made aware of the second set of plans submitted," said Coun Place.

A letter has already been sent to the Department of the Environment from Sutton Parish Council claiming Craven District Council experts did not consider the historical importance of the archway and lodges when recommending the planning application be approved.

Duncan Hartley, the council's head of planning, said the authority had followed all the procedures for the planning application at East Lodge.

"We're not legally required to send out planning notices to residents," he said. "But when the amended plans were submitted we did re-consult with the parish council."

o The Victorian gothic-style structure is all that remains of Sutton Hall, which was demolished in 1940 due to major structural failure.

Locals say the archway is a reminder of an important piece of local history.

The arch and lodges have featured on postcards, Christmas cards and calendars for decades.

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