A RYEDALE farmer has spoken of his disappointment after being refused permission to build a home next to his farm for the second time.

Duncan Cussons and his wife, Sarah, have been living in a caravan for more than a year as they wait for planning officials to consider their application.

But the couple have been told they cannot build on their farm, and must find a house in neighbouring Kirkbymoorside.

Mr Cussons, 33, has lived at Keld Head Farm outside the village all his life, farming alongside his father, Henry, since he was 16.

When he married Sarah in July last year, the couple moved on to a static caravan on the farm as a temporary measure, while applying to build a new home on the farm, separate from his parents' house.

Mr Cussons said it had been hard starting married life in such difficult surroundings.

He said: "It has been a challenge.

"The caravan was never meant as a solution, just as a stop-gap.

"We actually applied the first time for planning permission before we even got married."

Councillors did not dispute the need for two workers to run the livestock farm.

But they argued that the young couple could feasibly live in nearby Kirkbymoorside and travel to and fro. Mr Cussons said that could not be a practical option with farm vehicles being driven at all times of the day and night.

He said the second dwelling would have little impact on anyone else, and the family had received no letters of objection from nearby residents or the parish council.

He said it was heartbreaking to face such opposition based on Government policy guidelines.

He said: "I am a young farmer working hard to make a living for the future for me and my wife.

"Where is the future for young farmers like myself when this is the encouragement we get?"

Coun Gary Hobbs said: "I actually have a great deal of sympathy with the applicants, but the bottom line is that we have to stick with our policies."

Coun Lin Cowling said: "The overall aim of policy is to protect the countryside from developers.

"I do believe that it's reasonable to say this individual does need to be there for the viability of the business."

Chief planning officer, Mike Moffoot said the couple had the legal right to appeal.

Mr Cussons said he and his family were currently considering their options.

Updated: 09:42 Wednesday, December 19, 2001