A PLANNING official has ruled that an unsightly farm building in a North Yorkshire beauty spot has to be taken down.

The ruling by Ryedale District Council over the building at Woodside Farm, Green Hill, Gilling East, has been endorsed by government inspector Michael Hurley.

In his decision on an appeal against the refusal, Mr Hurley said the barn caused visual harm to the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty because it was part of the park associated with Gilling Castle, and was now included in English Heritage's Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

"Buildings should be sympathetic to their surroundings in terms of their design, materials and architectural detail" he said.

"In my view, the retention of the existing structure would breach of these policies. It is a building of flimsy appearance and poor quality finishes.

"Its design and materials fail to reflect local traditions and appear wholly out of place in this sensitive location".

The barn had been needed for a flock of 20 ewes and lambing, and to shelter livestock said Mr Hurley.

"But I agree with the council's view that the maintenance of so small a flock does not justify the visual harm done by the barn," he said.