A GOVERNMENT planning inspector has dismissed plans to build on the 'most important undeveloped field' in Cononley.

Outline plans to build up to ten homes at Madge Bank, off Crosshills Road, were widely condemned by residents and by Cononley Parish Council, and refused in February last year, by Craven District Council.

A public hearing was held in December following an appeal against the decision by Hazel Watts.

In his appeal decision, Inspector Roger Catchpole concluded that the development would 'detract from the character and appearance of the local area to the detriment of the character of the Cononley Conservation Area'.