A CHALLENGE to a council’s decision to refuse planning permission for new homes near Yarm has been dismissed.

Hambleton District Council refused permission for five plots of land at Low Worsall to be developed into bungalows.

This was challenged by the appellant but the Government Planning Inspectorate has upheld the council’s original decision.

In the report detailing the reasons for dismissing the appeal, the Planning Inspectorate stated that the new homes would harm the character of the area.

The local Highways Agency also raised a road safety objection as the proposed access to the homes that would exit onto the B1264 at a substandard junction.

Concerns were also raised over the impact of extra traffic on the narrow access road that serves as a public bridleway.

The Planning Inspector concluded: “Although the location could be considered suitable for housing, I have identified harm to the character and appearance of the area and to highway safety.

“There are no other matters that would outweigh the harm identified.”