THE ‘green wedge’ between Glusburn and Sutton will remain intact after proposals to build on it were thrown out by a government planning inspector.

A larger scheme to build 53 homes on the site off Holme Lane was dismissed on appeal four years ago because of its impact on the two villages.

And now, the smaller scale 32 homes proposed by Snell Developments has also been thrown out, following a public hearing held in Skipton in August.

In her decision notice, inspector Caroline Mulloy said the main issue was the effect of the proposed houses on the character and appearance of the area, and whether development of the ‘green wedge’ was justified in the light of the supply of housing land.

Ms Molloy said she found evidence supplied to her about the council’s five-year land supply as inconclusive so adopted a cautionary approach.

But even if, as Snell had suggested, there was a shortfall in Craven’s five-year housing supply, it would not outweigh the adverse impacts of the scheme.

She said: “The proposal would compromise the gap between Sutton and Glusburn and would constitute large-scale development beyond the settlement boundary.

"It would have a significant, adverse effect on the individual character and identity of the settlements, their overall character and appearance and that of the area generally."

Snell had proposed a new footpath through the site linking up with a wider network of paths, and said the development would mean opportunities for ecological improvements.

But Ms Molloy said any ecological benefits would be off-set by the resulting increased activity and that a significant part of the site would be taken up by housing.

Snell also proposed to build a car park for the users of the nearby park and primary school.

“There is no evidence of the need for a car park at the site, and in any event, I consider the proposed area of hardstanding would detract from the rural character of the site,” added Ms Molloy.