A FARMER is 'lost for words' after a planning application to pull down an old agricultural building and replace it with a new house has been turned down for a third time.

Last month Coun Tim O'Kane urged planners to be more farmer-friendly in a bid to rid the area of rundown buildings.

His call for Hyndburn Council to alter its policy on developing green belt land came after Paul Starkie resubmitted an application which had been rejected in June. It involved a disused agricultural building on land off Clayton Hall Drive, Clayton-le-Moors.

But the plan was again refused at a development services committee meeting after some of its of members attended a site visit.

Brent Clarkson, head of planning, said he had received a petition signed by the occupiers of four houses close to the agricultural building who supported the application but this related to 'changing it into a house' whereas Mr Starkie wanted to build a new building rather than convert an existing one.

He said he had also received a letter from Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Friends of the Earth, objecting to the application on the grounds it would be contrary to green belt policy as set out in the Hyndburn Borough Local Plan.

The local plan states that planning permission will not be granted except in special circumstances for new buildings on green belt land other than for agriculture, forestry, outdoor sport, and cemeteries.

The application was rejected for a third time by a majority vote but three councillors did not support the refusal.

Coun Winifred Frankland said: "It is a difficult one. The building stands out like a sore thumb and the area is like its own little hamlet.

"We have to look at everything on its merit and that barn, as it stands, is not enhancing what has grown into a residential area.

"Demolishing it and putting a new building in its place should be merited."

Mr Starkie spoke of his disappointment after the meeting.

He said: "I am lost for words. I thought we would have had a more favourable view.

"I'm going to go away now and consider the options and decide whether or not to appeal or if that would just be banging my head against a brick wall."