A KIRKBY Stephen man who was left paralysed from the chest down by a life-changing accident has had permission granted for a specially designed bungalow.

The bungalow will allow him to live at Takoda Camping, which he manages and runs with his partner Allison. Permission was sought from the Eden District Council's planning committee.

Mr Holroyd was working as a traffic officer for Highways England on the M6 near Tebay in February last year when he was hit by a Mercedes 4x4 driven by football agent Peter Morrison.

Mr Holroyd's co-worker Adam Gibb was killed as a result of the collision, and Mr Morrison is now awaiting sentence for causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving.

A report submitted to the committee included a statement from an occupational therapist outlining Mr Holroyd's needs.

It stated that he currently rents a bungalow in Kirkby Stephen, however it does not fulfill all his needs as there is no wet room.

It also said that Mr Holroyd has seven children between him and his partner, and that the youngest of those attends school in Kirkby Stephen, while another child attends Kendal College.

"A property is required which is close to the applicant's dependent children's school and college and to his family GP in Kirkby Stephen," the committee heard.

The report also explained that Mr Holroyd had been looking for suitable accommodation using various housing agencies since April 2016, without success.

It was necessary for him to live on the site for the rural business to continue to run effectively. Takoda Camping is a popular site with walkers.

The plan had received 15 letters of support from the local community.

The planning committee voted unanimously in favour of approving the planning application.