AN application for a two-storey extension at Elm Cottage, Duke Street, Settle, originally submitted in June last year has been given the go-ahead.

The new building will form a garage with a bedroom above. A front porch will also be constructed. They will be faced in stonework to match the existing property and roofed in blue slate tiles.

Craven District Council planners apologised to the applicant, Stephen Carr, for the delay caused through administrative problems.

However, they still recommended the plans be refused as they felt the building would result in significant loss of sunlight to the garden of 27 Duke Street, and partial loss of sunlight to the garden of 25 Duke Street.

But the applicant, accepting the officers' apology, said the amended plans which took the extension half a metre back from the front of the house were acceptable to these neighbours.

He also argued that his existing property was three storeys whereas the extension was for only two. The plans would take up the equivalent of around 50 per cent of the current floor space and be set back to reduce its impact.

"Officers are concerned about the neighbours being shaded from the sun whilst sitting on their patios. The most affect of sunlight would likely be during winter when the sun is lower. I doubt many people would be sitting on their patios during winter.

"My neighbour says all the plans have been dealt with to his satisfaction."

Coun Beth Graham backed Mr Carr's statement, saying that the neighbours' gardens faced east which only got sun early in the morning anyway. "I cannot see how the loss of light would be at all detrimental."

Coun Ken Luty added: "I think the shadowing will be minimal from this new building and should have no effect at all.

"When the existing single storey garage is demolished it will give neighbouring properties a better view and possibly more light. There could be some balancing."

However, Coun Ken Hart doubted anyone would gain by getting rid of the existing garage. "Loss of light is hard to prove," he said.

* The conversion of an agricultural building to form two holiday units at The Out-Barn, Brentwood Farm, Burton-in-Lonsdale, has been given the go-ahead by Craven District Council planners.

Members of the planning committee heard the conversion would restore the barn's original features and was a farm diversification scheme.

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