A LEAN-TO greenhouse can stay next to the listed Mortham Tower, near Barnard Castle, a planning inspector has ruled.

After discovering planning permission was needed John McDonnell applied to Teesdale District Council for permission to keep the building on the east side of South Cottage, part of the courtyard at Mortham Tower, Greta Bridge.

But his application was rejected by seven votes to six.

After an appeal, planning inspector John Braithwaite recommended that the structure should be allowed to stay and that listed building consent should be granted.

The Grade 1 Mortham Tower was not a grand building constructed to a complete design, but a series of buildings extended, altered and adapted since the 14th Century, he said.

The greenhouse complemented a larger one and their simple design and form was not out of place.

He said: "It is in keeping with the character and appearance of the listed building and its retention would not harm, and would therefore preserve, the historical and architectural interest of Mortham Tower and its setting."

The Secretary of State for the Environment accepted his recommendations and granted listed building consent subject to a condition concerning the colour of the greenhouse frame.