FEARS of raves, barbecues and "clinking wine glasses" have threatened to put the brakes on plans for outdoor living at the former Settle Police Station.

Changes to approved plans by Skipton-based Candelisa for the listed building's conversion to apartments include a small garden terrace with glass balustrade on part of the linked courthouse.

Craven District Council's planning committee was told proposed changes were minor, that views of the terrace would be very limited and approval listed building consent was recommended.

But councillors described the terrace as a "glass box" and totally out of character with the listed building and the town as a whole.

They also heard objections from a neighbour, who said while he was not opposed to internal changes, he believed the terrace would look "very odd" and could generate noise and overlooking.

Committee chairman, Cllr Richard Welch (Cons), took the unusual step of going against officer advice and proposing listed building consent for the terrace and changes to windows – to allow access – be refused.

He said although there was a feeling in the town it was good to see the building being converted, there was also a feeling some things had been "snuck in the back door".

"We have to bear in mind, on summer evenings, we could have the clink of wine glasses and barbecue smells coming from the top of the building – and we do get fine weather in Settle, occasionally," he said.

Cllr Welch added it was a "grand old building" and the addition of the roof terrace would be all wrong.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I feel sorry for the people who live nearby and the impact it has on the street scene," he said.

Cllr Alan Sutcliffe (Cons) described the terrace as a "glass box" and out of place in terms of the rest of the building.

He praised Candelisa for its tasteful residential conversions of other buildings, including Providence House in Skipton, but was opposed to the terrace.

"The whole concept is alien to the rest of the listed building; there could be a small child up there playing with a ball, but there could also be a rave party there," he added.