PERMISSION was given by the North York Moors National Park planning committee to convert disused farm buildings in Danby to a house.
Applicants were A and C Williams of The Howe Farm, Danby and the proposal was for the conversion of three traditional farm buildings on their property to a large five bedroomed house with an integral double garage.
There were concerns from the Hig
hways Authority, the parish council and nearby residents about access to the proposed house.
They claimed that visibility at the junction of the present access track to the main road was poor and any increase in traffic as a result of more residents using it could add to the risk of accidents.
Neighbours also pointed out that responsibility for maintenance of the track was unclear and in the past has been down to the goodwill of the residents using it.
They feared that with more people using it they may have to make more frequent contributions to its upkeep.
Members of the planning committee were told that a similar application was made two years ago but was withdrawn in order to investigate the suitability of the barns for an economic use.
But a marketing exercise showed there was no interest in the proposition and a local estate agent said that converting the barns into offices would be so costly that it would result in the need to charge unrealistic rents.
In regard to the concerns about extra traffic using the track planning officers told the members that despite their concerns the Highway Authority had agreed to the scheme because they thought there would be no more increase in its use than if the site was reverted to agriculture. As a result they recommended its approval.
The full article contains 295 words and appears in Whitby Gazette Friday newspaper.
