CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a modernist home in a conservation area overlooking Leyburn have been approved.

Plans to build a carbon neutral property on Quarry Hills Lane in Leyburn, has been given the go-ahead after Richmondshire District Councillors narrowly voted to approve the scheme.

The plans were initially rejected by the committee because of the appearance, specifically the roof and the large areas of windows on the rear of the building which gave it a “utilitarian” appearance.

The plans were then redesigned to incorporate a more traditional roof and windows and give it an overall softer appearance.

At a meeting last week, several councillors said they still felt it was out-of-keeping with the Quarry Hills Conservation Area.

Councillor Jane Parlour, chairman of the committee, said if they rejected the amended plans and the applicant went to appeal, the authority “wouldn’t have a leg to stand on”.

She added: “So we are where we are. It isn’t appropriate to say at this point, “we don’t like a modern building so start from square one"; that wouldn’t be fair to the applicant or the objectors.”