Settle-Carlisle railway: New houses near heritage line refused

The application was for four homes in the gardens attached to Bowerley House

Plans for four new homes near a heritage railway line have been refused because of the impact on the views of the historic line.

North Yorkshire Council refused the plans for Bowerley House in Langcliffe near Settle on Thursday.

It would harm the views for people travelling on the Settle to Carlisle railway line, the council said.

The application for the three-storey homes in the house's gardens were made by Steadman Construction Ltd in 2023.

They would "blend into the natural slope" and enhance the former hotel and Langcliffe village, the applicant said.

Settle to Carlisle railway is protected by the longest conservation area in the UK, and covers the entire stretch of line from Hellifield Junction in North Yorkshire to Carlisle Citadel Station in Cumbria, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The Ribblehead viaduct is a key feature of the train line

The site is visible to passengers on the railway line so planning approval for applications at sites within the area is difficult.

Heritage expert John Hinchliffe recommended the application be refused because he said it would harm both Langcliffe Conservation Area and the Settle-Carlisle Conservation Area.

'Detrimental effect'

The council received seven objections against and three letters of support.

One objector said: "The application says 'there will be a minimal visual impact to the Settle-Carlisle Railway but will not have a detrimental affect on its setting.'

"This is an opinion not a fact.

"I am of the opinion that this development will have a detrimental effect as it will be a modern development right beside an iconic and historic railway line famous for its unspoiled natural views along its length which is a conservation area."

The applicant Steadman Construction Ltd can appeal against the decision.