A COUPLE who wanted to built their own home on the same land as their family farm have had their plans thrown out by a district council.

Frazer and Helen Toogood applied to Richmondshire District Council planning committee to build a family home on land next to Dairy Barn in Hurgill Road, Richmond – but because the site was outside of the town boundary their application was refused.

The council planning committee, which met last week, was lobbied by several local residents who were concerned building on the site, some 60m outside the defined development limits, would set a precedent for more house building on the edge of towns and villages.

The application was for a four bedroom one level house on existing agricultural land, and included details of a new access into the site and parking for up to four cars.

Planning officer Peter Featherstone’s recommendation was to approve the plans because he did not think it would create a precedent.

He said: “I do have full respect for our local plan but I think it would fit in well as an edge of settlement site.”

Mrs Toogood said: “Living close to our family is important to us, as well as supporting the family business – Belle Isle is a working farm and any potential development sites are taken up by storage of livestock or machinery.”

Six members of the public voiced their objections to the plans over concerns it would create more traffic, take up a greenfield site, and damage the integrity of the local plan, which sets out where developments can be situated and how local infrastructure is managed.

Cllr Clive World said: “I’m very concerned that if we grant this application then we will have developers coming forward throughout Richmondshire with their interpretations of the local plan to try and build outside planning boundaries.”

He added that the proposals are to build on a greenfield site, and argued that there are other brownfield sites in the town still to be developed.

Cllr Tony Duff said he was in favour of helping people to live near their family.

“I’m in favour of helping local families to live near extended family members, particularly when they are helping on a farm.

“We can impose conditions to stop any precedent so I have no objections.”

Cllr Ian Threlfall added: “At the site visit we heard with passion the objections from local residents. I personally would like to see it deferred."

Councillors voted to refuse planning permission.