A DECISION on three new houses planned for the site of a former Mercedes car dealership in Clapham has been delayed for a site visit.

Councillors were divided over the plans to build three detached family homes at the former Mercedes Dalesview Garage at Old Road, during a meeting of Craven District Council's planning committee.

The application, which was recommended for approval by officers, is an extension of the same site of 22 homes under construction by the same developer, McConnell Homes, the committee was told.

Members also heard that Clapham cum Newby Parish Council was against the proposals for reasons including what it saw as the loss of an area of land in the past used by children and for grazing ponies.

The council also believed the style of the houses already approved, and the new planned ones, were not in keeping with the village.

Ward councillor Carl Lis said he agreed with the parish council but was struggling to come up with significant planning reasons to refuse the application.

He also called on developers to submit complete plans for sites, rather than putting in later additions.

Councillors are to visit the site ahead of their next meeting on July 31.