This application seeks permission for the conversion of a barn to form office accommodation at Monks Orchard, Lugwardine.  The existing property is a traditional period barn attached to an already converted farm building altered to provide office accommodation.

Ward: Hagley

This application was for the conversion of a barn to form office accommodation at Monks Orchard, Lugwardine.  The existing property is a traditional period barn attached to a converted farm building which has been altered to provide office accommodation.  The Central Team Leader suggested that if the application was approved, condition 3 in the recommendation should be altered from Class B1 to Class BA, thereby making it for office use only.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr. Shimmin, the applicant, spoke in support of his application.

RECOMMENDATION

That, subject to the resolution of the drainage issue, the Officers named in the Scheme of Delegation to Officers be authorised to approve the application subject to the following conditions and any further conditions considered necessary by Officers:

1       A01 (Time limit for commencement (full permission) )

         Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2       A06 (Development in accordance with approved plans and Ecological Report)

         Reason: To ensure adherence to the approved plans in the interests of a satisfactory form of development.

3       This permission shall relate only to uses for purposes within Class BA of the Town and Country Planning Use Classes (Amendment) Order 2005.

         Reason: To ensure the appropriate use of this premise having regard to the amenities of the locality.

4       B01 (Samples of external materials )

         Reason: To ensure that the materials harmonise with the surroundings.

5       C02 (Approval of details )

         (a) Joinery details.

         Reason: To safeguard the character and appearance of this building of architectural or historical interest.

6         Notwithstanding the plans hereby approved, the first four posts from the northwest in the front elevation shall be retained and not replaced unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority.

         Reason: To safeguard the character and appearance of this building of architectural and historical interest.

7       H29 (Secure cycle parking provision )

         Reason: To ensure that there is adequate provision for secure cycle accommodation within the application site, encouraging alternative modes of transport in accordance with both local and national planning policy.

8      The conversion hereby approved, including the timing of works shall be carried     out in accordance with the mitigation and enhancement recommendations set out in the Ecological Survey for Barns at Monks Orchard, Lugwardine, Herefordshire received on 13^th September 2005.  The mitigation measures identified shall be implemented as set out in the survey and thereafter retained.

         Reason: To ensure that the identified nature conservation interest of the site is protected

9      G40 (Barn conversion – bird/owl/bat box)

         Reason: In order not to disturb or deter the nesting or roosting of species protected by virtue of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

INFORMATIVES:

1       N03 - Adjoining property rights

2       N15 - Reason(s) for the Grant of PP/LBC/CAC

3      The timing of the development and the post development site safeguards should be adhered to ensure the law is not breached with regard to nesting birds which are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994 and policies within the Local Plan and Unitary Development Plan NC1, NC5, NC6 and NC7.

4      An appropriately qualified and experienced ecological clerk of works should be appointed (or consultate engaged in that capacity) to oversee ecological mitigation work to conserve and enhance protected habitat and to maintain the foraging area for protected species in compliance with Unitary Development Plan Policy NC6, NC7, NC8 and PPS9.