A FARMER has won the right to build a bungalow so that he can have help in looking after his animals.

H J Thomson successfully appealed after Hambleton District Council rejected an outline application for the house for an agricultural worker at Brambles Farm, Exelby, near Bedale.

Mr Thomson set up his livestock business part-time in 1989 and went full-time seven years later. In 1997, he was given permission for a mobile home.

Government inspector Elizabeth Ord, who heard his appeal, said he had about 250 ewes, 130 lambs and 80 cattle, management of which needed more than two full-time workers.

Since the recent death of his wife, Mr Thomson has been running the farm single- handed. However, he has a son with special needs who could help if permanent accommodation becomes available.

Livestock needed to be checked at intervals during the day and night to comply with animal welfare legislation, the appeal heard.

The inspector said properties in Exelby were highly priced and, although there were less expensive houses in Bedale, they were too far away for proper supervision of the farm.

She granted Mr Thomson conditional permission, saying she was satisfied there was a need for the bungalow.