A DESIGN for a country house made centuries ago by the creator of Castle Howard could at last become a reality if a council gives the plans the go-ahead.

Architect Sir John Vanbrugh, who was the genius behind Castle Howard, in North Yorkshire, made the design for the country house in the 1700s, but it never came to fruition.

The drawings now lie in the Victoria and Albert Museum, in London, along with other work by Vanbrugh, who died in 1726.

But now businessman Neville Howard aims to build it at Appleton, near Catterick, in North Yorkshire, if he can get planning approval.

Usually, plans for isolated houses in the countryside are rejected by planning authorities, unless it is for agricultural or forestry, and only in exceptional circumstances are other plans accepted.

Mr Howard wants to build a three-bedroom country house in ashlar stone with a leaded roof, which will be topped by a tower, in the grounds of Hollin Farm, at Stripe Lane.

It is the businessman's third attempt to build the house. The first was refused in January 1999 and another application was submitted and then withdrawn in July 2000.

However, Richmondshire District Council will be fully aware that they must adhere strictly to Government guidelines on planning applications for isolated houses in open countryside.

The council's planning and development manager, Patrick Earle, is advising members to hold a site visit before making a decision on the proposal.

He said: "The case is unique and there has previously been much national interest in it. It is important, however, to ensure that all the issues are carefully and rigorously assessed and that the proposal is given very serious consideration before a final decision is reached."