The site is not considered to be an infill plot in an otherwise continuously built-up frontage but an important area of undeveloped space which contributes to the character, form and appearance of the village and as such development of the site would consolidate the exisitng sporadic nature of Dunsley to the detriment of its form and character. Consequently the proposal is contrary to policies H1 and BE12 of the North York Moors Local Plan which seek to restrict new housing to infill plots (as defined in the Local Plan) and to resist development that would have a detrimental impact on the form and character of the existing settlement and impact on the visual, recreational, amenity, historical or cultural value of the site.
If permitted the proposal would set a precedent for further applications to develop important open sites which can not be considered infill development, which the local planning authority would find difficult to resist, to the detriment of the form and character of Dunsley.