Smallholding with animal shelters at Nether Hoff Farm, Colby, Appleby-in-Westmorland

What was proposed

The application sought permission for a partly retrospective smallholding with hardstanding, paddocks, animal shelters, pens and associated infrastructure.

“Summary 1.1. This application seeks retrospective and proposed permission for the establishment of a smallholding comprising hardstanding, paddocks, animal shelters, pens and associated infrastructure on land adjacent to Hogg Lane, Ilketshall St Lawrence.”

“The works and structures proposed include: • A hard standing area at the front of the site; • Two fenced paddocks area; • Five pig houses and associated pens; • Five hen houses and associated pens; • One incubation/hatchery/storage building; • Two open-fronted animal shelters; and • An electric meter housing and pole.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is agricultural land outside but next to the settlement boundary, reached by a track between homes and near a school and animal centre.

“Site Description 2.1. The application site is located outside but adjacent to the settlement boundary for Ilketshall St Lawrence and comprised of agricultural land.”

“To the immediate south of the application site are a row of residential dwellings, to the south-west is Ilketshall St Lawrence Primary School, to the west is a residential dwelling and to the north-west is an animal training centre.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers considered the countryside location acceptable and found no unacceptable effects on character, homes, highways, landscape or biodiversity, subject to conditions.

“The proposal has been assessed against the relevant policies of the Waveney Local Plan. Officers are satisfied that the principle of the development is acceptable within this countryside location and that, subject to conditions, it would not result in unacceptable impacts upon the character and appearance of the area, residential amenity, highway safety, landscape features or biodiversity.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways, environmental protection, ecology and landscape consultees raised no objections, generally subject to conditions; the parish council did not respond.

“Consultee Date consulted Date reply received SCC Highways Department 5 January 2026 19 January 2026 Summary of comments: No objections subject to condition relating to details of parking, manoeuvring and EV Charging…”

“Consultee Date consulted Date reply received East Suffolk Environmental Protection 5 January 2026 9 January 2026 Summary of comments: No objections subject to a condition requiring submission of a detailed scheme for the storage and disposal of manure created on site.”

Officer report

Public representations

No third-party letters of representation were received.

“Third Party Representations 4.1. No third-party letters of representation have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Planning Officer presented the proposal, and the Senior Planner answered a councillor’s question about smallholdings and agriculture.

The committee’s discussion

Members asked about the planning distinction between a personal smallholding and more commercial agricultural use.

“Councillor Pitchers asked about the difference between small holding and agricultural. The Senior Planner said a small holding is a personal enterprise, agricultural is more commercial. There is a subtle difference in planning terms.”

Minutes