Replacement livestock building at Badcock Farm Saling Road Stebbing Dunmow

What was proposed

The application proposed removing an existing poultry building and constructing a larger replacement with an attenuation pond and drainage infrastructure.

“This application seeks full planning permission for the demolition of an existing livestock (poultry) building and the erection of a replacement building, together with a surface water attenuation pond and associated drainage infrastructure at Badcock Farm, Stebbing. The proposal relates to an established agricultural holding within the countryside.”

“The application seeks full planning permission for the demolition of an existing livestock (poultry) building and the erection of a replacement livestock building, together with the creation of an associated surface water attenuation pond and drainage infrastructure at Badcock Farm.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is an established poultry farm within open countryside, with agricultural buildings, hardstanding, woodland, hedgerows and an existing farm access.

“The application site forms part of Badcock Farm, a long-established agricultural holding located to the north-east of the village of Stebbing within a rural area of the Uttlesford District. The site lies within the open countryside for planning policy purposes.”

“The farmstead comprises a cluster of existing agricultural buildings arranged around a working yard, together with areas of hardstanding used for access and manoeuvring of agricultural vehicles. The site has been in continuous use for poultry production for a significant period, with livestock buildings forming an established component of the farm’s operational infrastructure.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

An earlier application for two poultry rearing units was approved with conditions in 1973, and no applicant-led pre-application consultation was known.

“DUN/0189/73 Erection of two poultry rearing units Approved with Conditions 2nd July 1973”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal modernised an established rural enterprise without significant adverse impacts and offered drainage and biodiversity benefits.

“The development represents the modernisation of an existing rural enterprise. The replacement building, although larger in footprint, would be sited within the established farmstead and would not introduce a new or intensified use. The proposal is therefore acceptable in principle and supports the continued viability of the farm and rural economy.”

“The proposal delivers environmental benefits, including improved surface water management via a Sustainable Drainage System and measurable biodiversity net gain. When assessed against the Development Plan and the NPPF, the proposal represents sustainable development. Approval is recommended subject to conditions.”

Officer report

What residents said

A site notice, nearby letters and a press advertisement were used, but no letters of representation were received.

“A site notice was displayed on site, and 2 notifications letters were sent to nearby properties. An advertisement was displayed within the local press.”

“No letters of representation have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke in support of the application.

Members’ discussion

Officers confirmed the new building was a direct replacement, and members expressed no concerns.

“In response to questions from Members, officers: • Said that the new building was a direct replacement for the existing building.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Approval was proposed by Councillor Freeman and seconded by Councillor Church.

“Councillor Freeman (from the Chair) proposed approval of the application, and this was seconded by Councillor Church.”

Minutes

The final decision

The committee authorised conditional permission under the report’s conditions, with a correction changing “dwelling” to “agricultural building” in Condition 16.

“He recommended that the application be approved, subject to those items set out in section 17 of the report. A typo was highlighted in Condition 16 of the report where the word “dwelling” should be replaced by “agricultural building”.”

“RESOLVED that the Strategic Director of Planning be authorised to grant conditional permission for the development subject to those items set out in section 17 of the report- Conditions.”

Minutes