A COUPLE are appealing for planning officers to use commonsense when deciding the fate of their half-built retirement home.

Jeremy and Pippa Morrogh-Ryan are in dispute with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority over the development in Healaugh, Swaledale.

The couple received planning permission in 2004 to convert and redevelop the Daggerstones farmhouse.

Builders started work but district council building control officers advised that part of the original farmhouse was unsafe.

After demolishing the rear and part of a gable wall as instructed, the couple learnt that the partial demolition meant the re-development no longer had planning permission.

On the advice of officers, they submitted a fresh application to the national park authority for a replacement home.

The planning committee rejected the proposal and took enforcement action to stop building work.

The couple submitted a further application to be considered on Tuesday, but planning officers are again recommending refusal.

Mr Morrogh-Ryan, 65, said: "There has been a huge volume of support for my application from Reeth Parish Council and members of the local community, all of whom wish to see a house remain at Daggerstones, where one has been for centuries.

"All I am seeking is fairness and a commonsense approach.

"The only issue is one of policy. If it applies its own policy properly, then the committee should allow the replacement of a long-standing dwelling. By doing so, it will contribute to a living dale rather than create a ruin."

National park planning officer Rachel Whaley said in a report to members: "The authority's first statutory purpose is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the national park and it is for this reason that development of housing in the open countryside is resisted, unless an exceptional need can be demonstrated."