Plans to convert two cottages into one have been refused by the council as officers believe the proposed plans still amount to two separate living arrangements.

The applicant, Gwen Skillings, was granted permission in 2012 to build Garth Cottage just off Clitheroe Road in Mitton.

Ribble Valley Borough Council say this was not built in accordance with the approved plans as since its erection it has been used as two properties.

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The original plans included a kitchen and a staircase but the house was constructed with two of each – making the singular building two properties internally.

A supporting statement submitted to the council says the applicants were not aware the changes to the internal arrangements required permission from the council, though after becoming aware of their situation, realised they had been poorly advised and sought to regularise the application.

This was refused and despite the applicant making further attempts to secure permission through the appeals process, they eventually accepted the outcome.

They then submitted plans to the council for internal works to take place and make the building one dwelling, however this has not been approved.

A decision notice from the council said: “The proposed internal layout configuration is considered to amount to separate living arrangements for two dwellings. As such, it would alter the approved development description on the original planning permission and so cannot be considered as an application pursuant to section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.”

The updated supporting statement made clear the application was to convert the building back into a singular property.

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It said: “The current owners will remain the same, so it will still be a multi-generational household, but from all measurable and enforceable aspects, the property will be a singular dwelling.

“The applicants are happy to formally confirm the dwelling will now be occupied as a single dwelling and there will be no attempts, formal or otherwise, to change the occupancy arrangements.”

The applicants have six months to appeal the council’s decision if they wish.