Teesdale District Council planners have had the the application for the conversion of a barn at Holbeck Farm into a private residence, withdrawn.

The application had received numerous objections from Ingleton villagers and organisations, including the Parish Council and Ingleton & District Community Association. The strength of feeling was apparent partly due to the request by the owner that a new access be made that would ingress into the existing village playing fields.

Many Ingleton residents felt approval of the application of the derelict barn may open up the playing fields to further residential development, potentially reducing the size of the children’s play area and cricket field. Presently, a public footpath that is used daily by many residents for dog-walking and by joggers, runs in front of the barn and would have had to be diverted. The field where the barn is located is also considered to be a haven for wildlife.

Ingleton resident Mike Wedge said: "for the moment residents can breathe a sigh of relief. While some villagers may welcome a small development of starter homes for young people, this sort of executive dwelling and the impact into what should be protected parts of the village, is not welcome in Ingleton".

It is also understood that the Church objected as it owned the party boundary and had not been consulted correctly.

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