Proposed restoration of the farmhouse, the conversion of the granary attached to the farmhouse to an annex; the conversion of a stone and timber framed barn to form two dwellings; the erection of two new build dwellings in lieu of an extant permission for the conversion of the modern portal framed agricultural building to two dwellings; the erection of solar panels; and all associated works.

Application 223199 and application 223432 approved, in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation.

The senior planning officer gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking Ms Salter, spoke on behalf of Peterchurch Parish Council, Mr Eacock, local resident, spoke in objection to the application and Mr Tompkins, the applicant’s agent, spoke in support.

In accordance with the council's constitution the local ward member spoke on the application. In summary, he explained concerns with the proposed development. The traffic that would be generated by the construction of the new development would have an adverse and significant impact upon Long Lane in Peterchurch. Concern had been expressed locally over the use of the Class Q permission for the development. The conversion of the barn under Class Q should replicate the shape and form of the original building as closely as possible. There were questions concerning the form of the converted buildings with many local residents expressing the view that this was not acceptable under the Class Q permission. There was concern that the application before the committee did not represent a betterment to the fall-back position under the Class Q permission. There was insufficient capacity in the local water supply and it was queried how the new development would overcome this problem. The proposed discharge of grey water into Black Brook was a concern. The distance of the discharge pipe from the development to the Brook would result in the dispersal of wastewater onto the land before reaching the Brook.

The committee debated the application. There was division among the members of the committee. To some members it was felt that the development represented the protection and enhancement of traditional buildings in the rural locality without a significant, adverse impact on the landscape. It was the contention of other members of the committee that the proposal represented development in open countryside and issues raised by local residents regarding the discharge of wastewater into the local Brook required further investigative work.

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate.

A motion that application 223199 and application 223432 be approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendations was proposed by Councillor Bruce Baker and seconded by Councillor Elizabeth Foxton. The motion was put to the vote and was carried by a simple majority.

RESOLVED – that:

223199

That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions and any other further conditions considered necessary by officers named in the scheme of delegation to officers: