Nine residential dwellings at Lees Hall Farm, Marjory Lane, Ashbourne

What was proposed

The application sought consent to demolish two agricultural buildings, convert and extend barns, build five dwellings, and provide landscaping, access and infrastructure works.

“Proposal: Listed Building Consent and Full Planning consent for the demolition of 2 existing agricultural buildings (one of which benefits from prior approval for residential conversion for 5 dwellings ref.”

“This current application is seeking to obtain permission for the demolition of the modern barns throughout the application site and the erection of five new dwellings to the west and south of the existing farmstead. The scheme proposed seeks to retain much of the previously approved elements attached to DMPA/2024/1156 which had undergone a lot of work from the Council’s Conservation Officer to secure an appropriately designed scheme for the setting of the listed building.”

Officer report

The site and buildings

The site contains a Grade II listed farmhouse, traditional and modern barns, and a public footpath running through the farm complex.

“In this case, it is considered that whilst the proposal in principle would conflict with the development plan, great weight is afforded to the enhancement of the Grade II Listed Farmhouse. This combined with the other merits of the scheme would outweigh the conflict with the development plan. As such the proposal is recommended for approval subject to conditions. Site Description Lees Hall Farm is located off Marjory Lane, within the parish of Church Broughton.”

“One of the modern steel-framed buildings also has permission for conversion to five dwellings. The proposal The proposal is for the demolition of two agricultural barns which includes that which was granted approval for the change of use to five dwellings.”

Officer report

What residents said

Public representations supported reusing buildings but raised concerns about road conditions, traffic, access, footpaths, public transport, bats, overlooking and further development.

“Fifteen representations have been received from members of the public in relation to DMPA/2025/1591: a) It is good that the buildings are being used rather than left to ruin b) The condition of the roads in this area is generally poor c) There is concern that there would be access through the Wood Farm properties which is a private drive d) The existing right of way should be retained e) The surrounding roads are narrow and unsafe f) There is a lack of access to public…”

“Eight representations have been received from members of the public in relation to DMPA/2025/1704 : a) Wish to see a condition regarding disruption during construction b) The access arrangements need to be clearly looked at c) The submission needs to consider this and all future developments at Lees Hall Farm d) Four of the dwellings are outside of the original footprint of the farm courtyard e) There will be an increase in traffic within the area f) Access should be only…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer presented the application, and the applicant addressed the committee.

Members discussed access

Members noted the site improvements and sought clarification about the passing place and access for bin collections.

“Members considered the Application noting the significant improvements that would be made to the site and sought clarity regarding the passing point and access for bin collections.”

“The Planning Officer advised the Committee that condition nine covered the creation of a passing place and confirmed that the road would be wide enough for bin lorries.”

Minutes

The committee's decision

The committee approved planning permission in accordance with the recommendations in the officer report.

“RESOLVED: That planning permission be approved as per the recommendations in the report of the Head of Planning.”

Minutes