Unusual objection to church plan

6:00pm Saturday 11th October 2008

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A PLAN to convert a disused village church and school room in to two houses has thrown up an unusual objection.

A neighbour fears livestock could fall through windows abutting a field in which stock regularly graze.

Others have questioned whether the village water supply will be affected as each bedroom in the three-bedroom properties will have an en-suite bathroom.

However planning officers recommend the conversion of The Good Shepherd Church at Carlton in Coverdale be approved.

They believe the fears over falling livestock can be solved by making it a condition that railings are placed across the windows.

They have also found no evidence to suggest the en-suite bathrooms will affect local water supplies.

They are recommending Tuesday's Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority planning committee approve the scheme, subject to conditions.

An earlier application was considered "unsympathetic" to the building - which was built in 1853 - and which still has its bell tower, stone finials, railings to the front, and internal Victorian stained glass.

An extensive market research exercise has also been held to see if the buildings were wanted for community facilities.

Only one expression of interest was shown to use the school room as a youth centre. However, it was dropped in favour of the modern community hall opposite. Richmondshire District Council has identified a need for affordable three-bedroom homes in the Carlton area.

An assessment in May this year showed a need for 87 affordable properties in the whole of Lower Wensleydale.

Park planning officers say the conversion scheme is not for affordable homes but said the provision of two "local needs" properties would benefit the area.

They recommend approval although the final decision will be made by members who meet in the National Park offices at Yoredale, Bainbridge, on Tuesday at 10.30am.