AN Ingleton farming family's plans to diversify further by expanding its camping facilities have been given the go-ahead.

The Lund family's plan to create a nine pitch touring caravan site and amenity block at their farm in New Road was recommended for refusal by Craven District Council officers - but approved following the strong support of ward councillor Carl Lis.

Applicant Malcolm Lund told the council's planning committee he was the third generation of his family to farm the land and it was hoped successful diversification would allow his son to continue.

He said the farm was already a certificated location for five touring caravans and that the number of people who wanted to stay had increased.

"Our guests enjoy the countryside and the majority are Three Peaks walkers. The village is a short walk across the field and we hope to generate enough income for our son to become a fourth generation farmer," he said.

Cllr Lis said the council needed to encourage people to come to events in the area.

"Diversification has become a fact of life as far as farmers are concerned. There has been a farm there for three generations, lets make it so for another generation."

He said the site would have 'virtually no impact' on the area and that it would benefit Ingleton businesses.

Cllr Lis further dismissed perceived problems with the access, pointing out it was already used successfully by farming vehicles, many of which were much larger than caravans.