A BARN conversion described as 'a shocking act of vandalism' will be served with an enforcement notice for breaking planning regulations.

Planning permission was granted in 2016 to convert Snowdrop Barn in Maulds Meaburn into a home.

However, a series of unauthorised works has been carried out, including sandblasting of the exterior and re-pointing with a pink mortar.

Conditions relating to archaeology and protected species, as well as surface water and landscaping, have not been discharged.

At their recent meeting members of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's planning committee refused applications to vary conditions and agreed to serve an enforcement notice on the owners.

The Authority’s Champion for Cultural Heritage, Julie Martin, said: “I think it’s fair to describe the way in which this development has taken place as a truly shocking act of vandalism."

Member Yvonne Peacock said: “It makes a mockery of the Planning Committee.

We’ve got to make sure that everybody realises that this is wrong, absolutely out of order.”

Member John Blackie added: “The applicant has totally ignored our concerns.

"Frankly what they’ve done to that building is nothing short of criminal. "It does seem a very, very dramatic breach of planning regulations.”

The applicant did not attend the meeting.