A loft conversion firm has been refused the go-ahead for a two-storey extension at a builder's yard in a rural setting, because planning officers say it would be inappropriate and visually intrusive.

Truss Loft Conversions wanted to make the changes at Mankin Lane, Littlethorpe, near Ripon, but Harrogate Borough Council planners issued a four-point refusal.

Officials said roads leading to the site were unsuitable for the traffic likely to be generated and believed upgrading the road to overcome problems would be out of character with the locality.