# Field at Score Ray Lane, Whixley

- **Decision:** dismissed, 28 August 2026
- **Decided by:** Planning Inspector: Chris Pipe
- **Authority:** North Yorkshire (Yorkshire and the Humber)
- **Appeal reference:** 6010807
- **Application reference:** 26/01027/FUL
- **Procedure:** written-representations
- **Development:** Barn including stables, hardstanding and landscaping in open field
- **Site context:** open-countryside
- **Green Belt:** no
- **Framework applied:** August 2026 NPPF
- **Determinative policies:** DP3(1)
- **Development plan policies:** Harrogate District Local Plan 2014-2035 HP3, HP7, NE4, Farm Buildings Design Guide 2020
- **Main issues:** character and appearance
- **Tags:** tier-2, equestrian, landscape-harm, design-refusal, transitional-no-consultation

## Summary
An equestrian barn with hardstanding in an exposed, elevated open field. Dismissed as "incongruous and visually intrusive" (DL ¶9). Equestrian use "may, in principle, require a countryside location", but that does not excuse inappropriate scale and siting (DL ¶8). The Framework switch was noted without consultation, and the Framework was cited only generically for design.

## What made the difference
Siting in an open field with no built context. The nearby cricket pavilion was separated by a road and hedges, so it could not assimilate the barn.

## Policy findings
- **DP3(1): fail.** conflict with "design objectives of the Framework insofar as development should respond positively to local character and integrate successfully"; no DP3(3) refusal wording, no balance (DL 11); code mapped by harvester
- **HP7 / NE4 (Harrogate LP): conflict.** large barn and hardstanding isolated on elevated open field; cricket pavilion across road does not assimilate it (DL 4-10)

## Key facts
- Elevated triangular field between Score Ray Lane and B6265; no existing built form on site (DL 4, 8)

## Sources
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/appeals/6010807
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/published-document/87426fc0-545b-4619-a5f3-5173413470ed

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Source: https://planningdistilled.org/research/england/nppf-navigator/decisions/PINS-6010807.html

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