An application for permission in principle to build four new houses on green belt land has been turned down by the council.

Mrs N Rycroft applied to Pendle Council to build four new homes and associated outdoor space, parking and, if space permitted, a single garage per house at land off Wheatley Lane Road, Fence.

A planning statement submitted alongside the application read: “The proposed development will represent a sustainable contribution to the local area and is making use of in-fill land between existing residential areas.

“The development site directly adjoins the settlement boundary and is very close to local amenities such as shops, schools, parks and public transport.

"Access to the site is gained via an approved access off Wheatley Lane Road and foot access to Fence village will be via a footpath approved under the above planning applications.

“To that extent, it is requested that Pendle Borough Council supports the proposal.”

Several objections were made in respect of the application, relating to access, an increase in vehicles, loss of light, loss of view and loss of fields.

Pendle Council refused the application on April 26 with a report to the committee stating: “The key issue here is that the site is in green belt and should it be inappropriate development there would need to be very special circumstances to overcome the principle of developing on the site.

“No very special circumstances have been put forward for the application, so the application remains to be determined based on the principle of development on the site.

"The application represents inappropriate development in the green belt and the principle of development is therefore not acceptable.

“The proposed development is therefore contrary to 147-149 of the National Planning Policy Framework. The principle of development is not acceptable on the site.”