​Ove and Grethe Andresen’s retrospective application to “regularise” the construction of raised timber decking at their property in Whitby has been refused by North Yorkshire Council over concerns about its impact on the town’s historic conservation area.

​The applicants said that “the development supports the continued residential and holiday use of Kirkby House at Long Steps, Church Street, which is consistent with prevailing patterns of occupation in this part of Whitby”.

​They added that it “provides private outdoor amenity space in a location constrained by steep topography and limited garden provision”.

​However, planning officers described it as “a private benefit ” with “no advantages to the wider public that would outweigh the visual harm caused by the boundary treatment”.

​A planning report also highlighted that the property “already benefited from a much smaller timber side balcony”.

​Cllr Neil Swannick, who represents Whitby Streonshalh, said: “The unauthorised construction is inappropriate in Whitby’s conservation area and likely to cause disamenity to the adjacent residential properties whose residents are entitled to the quiet enjoyment of their homes.”

​The planning report stated: “It is emphasised that the area holds great significance with regard to the Whitby conservation area and, as such, the use of materials is an important factor in relation to the character of the area.

​“It is noted in the assessment that poor-quality boundary treatment can have an adverse impact on the character of the conservation area.”

​The applicants defended the development in a design statement submitted to the authority, stating: “The proposal constitutes a proportionate and contextually responsive intervention that makes efficient use of limited external space within a sensitive historic environment.

​“On this basis, there are no material planning grounds that would justify refusal, and planning permission should be granted for the retention of the decking.

​However, officers concluded that the development “causes an unacceptable level of harm to neighbouring amenity”.

​The retrospective application was refused by North Yorkshire Council.

The Section 106 financial contributions have increased by £275,811 to a new total of £3,466,277 to address the impact of the 37 additional homes and the revised Energy Strategy. However, all non-financial obligations from the previous scheme, such as those relating to affordable housing and viability reviews, remain unchanged.

Secateurs are one of the first tools most gardeners acquire. A good pair will last a lifetime, but any that are substandard or old can damage your plants and your hands. There are two main types. Bypass secateurs have scissor-like blades to produce a clean cut when pruning green stems. In contrast, anvil secateurs act more like a knife, and work best when cutting thicker, woodier stems.

The best secateurs should also be comfortable and a ratchet function will help if you need extra power when cutting bigger stems. Most also come in different sizes, and some have adjustable grip, so you can tweak it if you share your tools. Just note that smaller tools have reduced cutting diameters.

Price-wise, they range from around £15 to almost £300 for professional tools, although none here reach those heights. Notable brands include Felco, Niwaki, Okasune, Wilkinson Sword and Darlac. You’ll find all of these and more reviewed below, after extensive testing on my allotment.

The best secateurs: At a glance

Northern have issued a warning to passengers, saying that all lines are blocked between Wigan Wallgate and Salford Crescent.

Services between these two stations via Atherton are blocked in both directions.

Disruptions are expected to last until 9pm, according to the latest updated from Northern.

The Headbolt Lane to Blackburn and Wigan Wallgate to Leeds services are affected.

Services between Southport and Manchester Oxford Road and Southport and Stalybridge are able to call at all stations via Westhoughton, however may be subject to short notice cancellations and delays.

⚠️Due to the emergency services dealing with an incident near the railway between Wigan Wallgate and Salford Crescent some lines are blocked.

🚆Train services running through these stations will be cancelled.#NorthernUpdateshttps://t.co/lZlsirpL6B

— NORTHERN 🚆 (@northernassist) March 20, 2026

Advertisement

Northern train ticket restrictions have been lifted in the affected areas, including Advance and Peak restrictions, during this disruption. Restrictions will be reinstated once the disruption ends.

The following rail replacement services are in place:

From Wigan Wallgate calling at all stations to Manchester Victoria via Atherton at 20:00

From Salford Crescent calling at all stations to Wigan Wallgate via Atherton at 20:00

The emergency services have been contacted for comment.