Agricultural building extension at Oak Tree Meadows, Fenton, Lincoln

Earlier planning history

An agricultural building was granted permission in 2022, while an earlier prior-notification application for an agricultural storage building was refused in 2021.

“Relevant history: 144120 - Planning application for erection of agricultural building. Granted 06/07/2022.”

“143841 - Application for prior notification to erect agricultural storage building. Refused 29/10/2021 ‘Based on our telephone conversation today and the information received via email on 29/10/21 I can confirm that as the agricultural holding is less than 5ha (7.5 acres) the proposal does not qualify as permitted development under Part 6 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (As Amended), due to it not meeting the criteria set…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the extension was modest, agriculturally justified, suitably related to the existing building and unlikely to harm neighbours, highways, flooding or the countryside.

“After considering all the evidence it is considered that on a balance of probabilities there is a functional need for the proposed minor extension to an existing agricultural building (as it will provide a toilet and wash facilities for the applicant after working the land and a maintenance area for equipment) which cannot be met by an existing building and that the proposed extension is modest in scale which will meet the functional need and relate well to the existing…”

“The proposal is for a small extension to an existing agricultural building utilising an existing access off Kettlethorpe Road, Fenton. There are no highways issues with the proposal with Lincolnshire County Council Highways having no objection to the proposal.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways and flood authorities raised no objection, the Environment Agency identified minor development, and no archaeological input was required.

“LCC Highways and Lead Local Flood Authority: The proposal will not affect the public highway. Having given due regard to the appropriate local and national planning policy guidance (in particular the National Planning Policy Framework), Lincolnshire County Council (as Highway Authority and Lead Local Flood Authority) has concluded that the proposed development would not be expected to have an unacceptable impact upon highway safety or a severe residual cumulative impact upon…”

“Environment Agency: The proposal can be classified as a ‘minor development’ in relation to flood risk and does not appear to fit any other…”

Officer report

Objections and concerns

Parish councils and residents questioned the unfinished building, lack of agricultural activity, static caravan, possible camping or residential use, connections and flood risk.

“This site is situated in the parish of Kettlethorpe next to the boundary with Fenton and Torksey Lock, so it impinges on the residents of both parishes living in the vicinity of the site. The activities taking place and the lack of any agricultural activity on this site over the last three years have led to a lack of trust from local residents.”

“While local planning regulations may permit temporary accommodation for the purpose of completing a building, there appears to be no defined time limit [for the building given permission under 144120]. Given the modest scale of the building and the extended timeline, residents are understandably concerned about how long this situation will continue.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A councillor representing a parish council and an objector asked for the original building to be completed before the extension and raised concerns about camping and site connections.

Members’ discussion

Members understood residents’ concerns but found no material planning reasons to refuse; a proposed site visit was not seconded, and an extra camping condition was accepted.

“Members of the Committee expressed understanding of the residents’ frustrations, and it was commented that the spirit of the process appeared to have been circumnavigated, however, there were not material considerations to indicate refusal of the application.”

“In response to concerns regarding the permanence or otherwise of the static caravan, it was suggested that an additional condition could be included, which would remove permitted development rights to use land as a recreational caravan / campsite. This was duly accepted by Members.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted permission subject to conditions covering commencement, approved plans, materials, flood mitigation, agricultural use and recreational camping or caravanning.

“With the exception of the detailed matters referred to by the conditions of this consent, the development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the following drawings and documents: D02 Rev PL1 dated 02/09/2025 (Site Location (Red Line) and Proposed Block Plan) and D01 Rev PL1 dated 02/09/2025 (Proposed Floor Plans and Elevations).”

“The materials used in the development shall match those stated on the application form and drawing No. D01 Rev PL1 dated 02/09/2025 (Proposed Floor Plans and Elevations). For the avoidance of doubt the external walls and roof shall be clad in steel box profile sheets in dark green to match the existing agricultural building granted under planning permission 144120.”

Minutes