A proposed housing development at Tongland has been put on ice pending a site visit.
Officials had recommended approval of Paul Ansbro’s “pavilion-type” dwelling on Monks Way.
But planning committee members decided to have a first-hand look at the location.
The partly-wooded area is home to several houses and a remnant of Tongland Abbey, built in 1218.
Councillor Archie Dryburgh suggested the move after expressing “some concerns” about the bid.
He also wanted “clarity” on work already done and the size of the proposed site.
Supporting him, Councillor John Young said: “It is a very interesting site with steep, steep slopes and it’s a very historic area.
“I think the committee would get a much better insight into the physical layout of the site.”
Earlier, Councillor Jane Maitland cited land ownership doubts raised by objectors Tongland and Ringford Community Council.
She said: “I’m not exactly clear about why the council asks for information about ownership – then when being advised that perhaps the applicant doesn’t have ownership doesn’t seem to take any interest in that.
“Can you explain why we ask the question if we are not then going to follow it up and it affects the planning permission?”
Chairman Jim Dempster said: “I could apply to build a house in your garden and get permission.
“But you simply would not allow it because I don’t have ownership of the land.
“So it’s a civil matter, I would argue. We are here to determine the planning aspect of it.
“The legal ownership and right to construct would rest somewhere else.”
Planning officer Robert Duncan said: “The applicant has submitted a certificate declaring that he owns all of the land.
“That is significant because if they willingly provide false or misleading information they can be liable on prosecution to a fine.
“That would obviously be a matter for the procurator fiscal.
“We never check – we go on the basis of the declaration that’s made.
“This is a legal requirement when you make the application. It’s a civil law matter not a planning matter.”
Mr Dempster wondered if the council could be held liable for accepting the applicant’s declaration of ownership at face value.
Mr Duncan replied: “It’s the responsibilty of the person that makes the certificate.
“If that turns out to be deliberately false and misleading then they can be prosecuted for providing false information.
“It’s not the liability of the council.”
Monks Way resident Antony Roberts objected, while Tongland and Ringford Community Council chairman Donald Henry questioned whether it was competent to proceed amid questions over the ownership of the site.
Planning permission had previously been granted on the site for a bigger two-storey dwelling, while the proposed “single-storey pavilion-type” dwelling would be a “modest property” and much less obtrusive to neighbours.
