PERMISSION has been granted to build a two-storey extension at a cottage in Over Dinsdale, despite Hambleton District Council's objections.

An appeal against the decision to grant planning permission was heard by government inspector, Mr Michael Aldous, who visited Ivy Cottage, Over Dinsdale, before making his decision.

The property is a two-storey Victorian-style cottage, forming an end unit in a row of four homes situated in an isolated rural location within an area of high landscape value.

The group is set back from a minor lane, which provides pedestrian and vehicular access and is viewed between an impressive avenue of lime trees which flank the lane.

Hambleton planners said that the new extension, although much reduced from the original plan, would increase the size of the dwelling significantly by adding a matching wing on its south-western elevation.

They expressed concerns about the visual effect of the new gable wing.

The inspector said in his report that he thought considerable care had been taken in the design of the plan to respect and replicate the well-defined character of the existing building.

"Overall, I view that the works proposed have been thoughtfully prepared and would respect the character and architectural integrity.

"Furthermore, the increased bulk would only have limited visual impact from public areas and matching materials would, in my opinion, ensure that the work would be harmonious with its surroundings."