Agricultural storage building at Land adjacent to Falcon Place, Stockbridge Road, Eskmeals

“The application site forms part of a 0.12 hectare parcel of agricultural land situated adjacent west of Stockbridge Road, 6 miles north of Bootle. The land is fairly flat and contains no other buildings. It is used for 24 grazing sheep and several ponies.”

“Planning permission is sought to erect an agricultural building for the purposes of storing maintenance equipment and machinery, keeping livestock temporarily for vet visits and welfare during adverse weather.”

“Having regard to the provisions of the development plan, in particular Lake District National Park Local Plan Policies 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 and 06, the Design Code SPD and other material considerations (including the provisions of the NPPF), the development is considered to be acceptable, subject to the conditions recommended.”

“Through its form and materials it would appear as a typical modern day agricultural building. Such buildings are non-traditional in nature and invariably cause a degree of landscape harm as a result, however it has long been acknowledged that in order to support the farming industry which does so much to shape and manage the Lake District landscape, such buildings are necessary, and as a result they are a common sight in the open countryside of the National Park.”

“I have identified landscape harm but consider that harm to be justified by the needs of the farm enterprise. In the absence of the agricultural justification the building would be unacceptable and therefore I recommend a condition that the building be removed should the agricultural use cease.”

“The Local Highway Authority has no objections to the application as it is not considered the development would have a material effect on the existing highway conditions.”

“The Lead Local Flood Authority has no objections to the application as it is not considered the development would increase flood risk on the site or elsewhere.”

“Bootle Parish Council do not support the application and have concerns which consist of: • The building is not appropriate and does not fit in with the Lake District National Park ethos. • The building is not in in keeping with the surrounding landscape, its size and close proximity to the road will dominate the skyline. • The adjacent road is liable to flooding on a regular basis and there are concerns that this building could increase the risk of flooding to the road.”

“Motion to approve the application with conditions…”

“Proposed by [name withheld] by [name withheld] in favour of motion: Abstentions: 1”