A PLAN to build four new homes off a narrow lane on land occupied by two former poultry sheds near Kildwick Grange has been approved.

Craven District Council planners gave the go-ahead for three five-bedroom and one four-bedroom houses, to be built in stone with natural slate roofs and weathered timber panels. All will feature attached double garages.

Objectors said that the plan was inappropriate for the site and could open the floodgates for future 'ribbon development' in the area.

Planning permission for the conversion of the former chicken sheds to small workshops was given in 2007, councillors were told, but this had never taken place.

William Cartwright, speaking for the applicant Jim Persson, said that the scheme was of a very high quality and would enhance the area.

Cllr Adrian Green said that the unused sheds were an eyesore that should be demolished and that four nice homes would be an improvement.

Existing access to the site would be re-routed to serve all four dwellings, the committee was told, while water would probably come from a borehole supply as there was no mains water network at Kildwick Grange.

Councillors voted unanimously for approval of the development.