A GOVERNMENT inspector has overturned Hambleton District Council's decision to refuse permission for a house and garage at Brafferton Manor Farm, Helperby.

Mark Faulkner brought the appeal against the council's decision to refuse him permission for an agricultural worker's house and garage.

Planning inspector David Metcalfe said farm workers were needed on the farm, where diversification projects had been introduced, including course fishing in artificial lakes, riverside fishing along the Swale, and pheasant rearing.

Mr Metcalfe said: "I accept that, on a mainly arable farm, there is much less need for supervision than say, on an enterprise involving the care and protection of livestock.

"However, in this case the arable nature of the farm has diversified and involves activities that require a presence of a worker at most times.

"The very compelling evidence relating to theft and poaching which is prevalent, and which was not foreseen when diverse elements were being planned, reinforces this view. A functional need for a dwelling to serve this farm unit is beyond dispute."