Villagers press for ‘ludicrous’ planning to be relaxed

RESIDENTS of a historic high moorland village are pressing for stringent rules over minor changes to their properties to be relaxed.

People living in Castleton say the rules create a “ludicrous” situation where next-door neighbours have different rights over basic repairs to their properties and access to technology.

The case for relaxing them will be considered by the North York Moors National Park Authority almost two years after Danby Group Parish Council approached the planning authority and sought to have the conservation area status covering part of the village lifted.

Villagers living in the conservation area say tight Article 4 planning restrictions, which extend to alterations to gates and whether paint or stain can be used, have prevented them from using modern products to keep their properties in good order and do not reflect the challenges that modern technology presents.

The Article 4 rules were introduced by the authority in 2006 in 36 of the park’s 42 conservation areas to halt a rash of uncontrolled minor changes which were having a cumulatively detrimental impact on the character of conservation areas.

A parish council spokesman said: “It must be stressed that

only part of the village is in the conservation area. The dividing line appears arbitrary and the ludicrous situation can arise where next-door neighbours have different rights when it comes to repairs, improvements or enhancements to their respective homes.”

In a report to a park authority meeting on Thursday, planning officers highlight that, while the parish council represents residents, “there is local interest and support” for the conservation area status and existing restrictions.