Boxer’s bid to build a bungalow is KO’d
of the community.
Letters of support were also lodged from a local school, health-visiting service and traveller organisations.
During the meeting, which was held via videolink and broadcast on YouTube, Sherburn division councillor, David Hall, spoke in support of the plans.
The councillor said the site sat next to larger houses built before the green belt designation, was in a sustainable location and did not encroach into the open countryside as it was naturally enclosed and screened.
Cllr Hall also noted Mr Ward’s work within the community,fromcharityfundraiserstomentoringyoungpeople throughthelocalyouthproject.
He went on to say: “The young family simply wish to have a home in their local village on their own plot of land for their needs.
“This application is a sensible development and good use ofunderusedland,formerlyindustrial but long since turned green and now perfect for a new home.
“There are no objections nor any real or physical harm to give any weight to.”
AstatementfromMrWard, included in a planning report, said the land was bought “with the understanding and vision of being [able] to create and build my perfect family home in a community that I have been born and raised in, and a village I call home.”
Mr Ward said he had consulted neighbouring homeowners who all supported the plans and would “much prefer a home built on the land instead [of] unused land that attracts young people hanging around causing anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping.”
The statement added: “I feel that my application does not have any detrimental effect to the countryside and is in keeping with the rest of the residential properties.”
But principal planning officer, Alan Dobie, said approving the plans would “underminegreenbeltprinciples” with the application failing to meet the “very special circumstances” needed to allow developmentinthegreenbelt. Headdedthepersonalcircumstances were “insufficient” to outweigh harm to the green belt.
The motion to approve the plans was defeated by a vote with the original recommendation to refuse carried by a vote of 9-2.