Retrospective plans for parking at Redmire barn rejected. (From The Advertiser Series)

Retrospective plans for parking at Redmire barn rejected.

5:40pm Saturday 9th March 2013 in News By Ashley Barnard, Reporter (Richmond)

RETROSPECTIVE planning permission for work on a Wensleydale barn conversion project has been refused by planning committee members despite being recommended for approval.

Tony Biker, from Redmire, near Leyburn, has been involved in a dispute over developments at Mill Farm Barn with local residents.

Mr Biker submitted a retrospective planning application to regularise unauthorised work already taking place to develop an area beside the barn for car parking.

Members of Richmondshire District Council planning committee said plans to alter car parking to bring it closer to the property would have an unattractive effect on the character and setting of the barn and landscape.

Councillors said there was no justification for the change of parking and curtilage of the building.

Chief planning officer Peter Featherstone said: “The plans were recommended for approval but members did not feel it was the right way forward.

“It was more than just the detail of the car parking members were unhappy with - it was the principal of the plans and they did not see a reason to change them.”

Current car parking is 70 metres away from the barn and Mr Biker’s agent John Hall said it is inappropriate.

Redmire Parish Council has raised objections.

The authority said: "The parish council was expecting to see a retrospective planning application for the existing parking development and this has not been forthcoming.

"This application does not acknowledge that a new access to the highway has been created without permission and that a hedge has already been destroyed, again, without permission."

Redmire resident Sally Andrews said: “The proposal did not comply with the original permission which did not allow parking at the dwelling in order to protect the natural surroundings near the barn.

“It would have resulted in the blocking off of the ancient highway used by walkers wishing to access the footpath along the River Ure.”

Although it was a unanimous decision to refuse by councilors, Mr Biker’s agent indicated his client might appeal.