AN APPLICATION for a rural worker's dwelling was rejected by Tyndale Local Area Council on the grounds that sufficient reason was not provided for its need.

The house was proposed by Mr & Mrs Lockey, of Allendale, for Northside Farm, Horsley, which they own and operate a business on.

The farm is a popular wedding venue and hosts 'glamping pods' for guests.

In the application they stated that they live 25 miles away and operate the business, which they would like to live closer to.

They said that there has been security concerns in the area as burglars have attempted to break in and steal farm equipment and wedding props.  In order to properly curtail this, they argued, they should live closer to the venue.

On the county council's planning website 14 comments were submitted; 13 of which were in favour.  These included employees and other local businesses across the County and wider area.  Only one was received in objection.

They cited high costs of housing as the reason for not buying a house in the area.

However, Planning Officers stated that the business: "appears to have successfully operated to date with no one living on the site."

The property would have been located in a Green Belt area, meaning that the Officers position was that the development: "should not be approved except in very special circumstances."