THE owners of two Dales cottages will not be forced to replace uPVC double glazing installed without permission.

A retrospective planning application for the windows added to Town Foot Farm and attached Gable End Cottage, in Carlton, Coverdale, has been refused by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

However, councillors voted not to take enforcement action against owners Norman and Anne Dinsdale.

Instead, the couple have been told to use wooden frames when the plastic window frames need replacing.

They were only told they needed permission when a planning officer visited on an unconnected issue.

They said in a letter to the committee: "The windows we replaced were of a similar style to what was there before.

"We appreciate that originally the windows were of a sash design, but this has not been the case in our ownership.

"We believe that no windows are permanent and we have not altered the architectural appearance of the house."

Speaking at the meeting, Coverdale councillor Roger Harrison-Topham said: "These windows were added in all innocence. As far as the village is concerned, they are fully acceptable."

The meeting heard how no complaints had been received about the windows installed in Town Foot Farm, despite them being in place for ten years.