The erection of one self-build agricultural worker's dwelling and associated works.

Application refused, in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation and a change to the reasons for refusal.

Councillor Baker acted as local ward member for the application below.

The senior planning officer provided a presentation on the application and the updates/representations received following the publication of the agenda.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking Mr Hulse spoke on behalf of Bredenbury Group Parish Council and Mr Tompkins, applicant’s agent, spoke in support of the application

In accordance with the council's constitution the local ward member spoke on the application. In summary, he explained that two generations of the same family lived on the farm. The younger generation now required a home on the farm to start a young family whilst managing the operation of the farm effectively. The conclusion of the rural planning appraisal that the farmer should live in Bromyard was not credible and were not supported. A house was required on the farm to respond to alarms from the chicken houses, protect livestock welfare and ensure bio security. The proposed home was set away from the main farm buildings to ensure the safety of a young family. Paragraph 84e of the NPPF allows for houses in the countryside where there is an essential need for an agricultural worker; the present application was in accordance with this paragraph. The committee was urged to approve the application.

The committee debated the application. The committee was assured that there was a need for the dwelling for the farm manager to be present on the site for the effective management of operations. There was however division among the members of the committee regarding the location of the proposed house. Some members of the committee were concerned that the positioning of the proposed house posed an unacceptable impact on the landscape and the proposed dwelling should be positioned in closer proximity to the established farmhouse and farm buildings on the farm.

Councillor Peter Hamblin proposed and Councillor Richard Thomas seconded a motion that the application be approved. The motion was withdrawn.

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

Councillor Woodall proposed and Councillor Foxton seconded a motion that the application be refused in accordance with case officer recommendation 2 only. The motion was put to the vote and was carried by a simple majority.

RESOLVED – that:

That planning permission be REFUSED for the following reason:

The proposed development, due to its elevated and isolated location within the rural landscape, its detachment from existing built form, and its failure to reflect the historic pattern of development, would result in adverse impacts on the character and visual amenity of the area. For these reasons, the proposal is contrary to Policies RA4 and LD1 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy, Policy BW&GB10 of the Bredenbury and District Group Neighbourhood Development Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework.