Barn conversion to dwelling at Priory Field Barn, Storrington

What was proposed

The application sought to convert a volunteers’ agricultural storage barn into a one-bedroom home, enclosing its open frontages and adding a roof shelter.

“Planning permission is sought for the change of use of a volunteers agricultural storage barn into a one-bedroom dwellinghouse. The proposal incorporates the infilling of the open frontages, including associated fenestration, in addition to the erection of a mono-pitched sloped roof shelter to the eastern elevation. The dwelling would comprise one bedroom and bathroom to the first floor, with a living room, dining, kitchen and bathroom to the ground floor.”

Officer report

The site

The barn is outside Storrington’s built-up area, reached by a private track, and lies near a conservation area, local green space and neighbouring homes.

“The application site is located outside the built-up area boundary of Storrington and to the south of Kithurst Lane. The site is accessed via a private access track from Kithurst Lane which leads to a cemetery to the south of the application site. The site has a gated access with hardstanding which leads to a timber barn which was permitted under planning application reference DC/18/169, for the storage of associated tools/equipment and the temporary shelter of volunteers in conjunction with the maintenance of the adjacent land, permitted under planning application reference DC/19/2119.”

“The site is located close to the Storrington Conservation Area to the East and Our Lady of England Priory, a locally listed building to the North-East. To the east of the site is an area of community woodland known as Matt’s Meadow which is designated within the Storrington, Sullington and Washington Neighbourhood Plan as a Local Green Space and is within the Storrington Conservation Area.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier housing proposals were refused or dismissed on appeal, while a 2024 barn-conversion appeal was dismissed for ecological and protected-site harm.

“DC/19/1638 Variation of Condition 1 of previously approved application DC/18/1695 (Construction of storage barn and retention of access). Part-retrospective alterations to amend the roof form and include two gable end windows and three rooflights. Proposed addition of barn doors and a temporary log store. Application Refused on 04.10.2019 Appeal Dismissed on 11.08.2020”

“DC/24/0414 Conversion of existing barn into 1No dwelling Application Refused on 14.05.2024 Appeal Dismissed on 14.02.2025”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The conservation officer found a neutral heritage impact, ecology consultees supported approval with conditions, and highways raised access uncertainty but identified no likely objection for one home.

“The proposed residential conversion will have a neutral impact in heritage terms.”

“OUTSIDE AGENCIES 3.5 Ecology Consultant: Recommend approval subject to attached conditions [Summary]”

Officer report

Objections received

Ten objection letters from nine addresses and the parish council opposed the scheme because of its countryside location, traffic, overdevelopment, nature and neighbour impacts.

“PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS 3.10 Representations: 10 letters of Objection have been received from 9 addresses, objecting to the application on the following grounds: • Building not built in accordance with plans – 1 metre higher • Outside the built-up area • Area between Storrington and South Downs should be maintained • Greenfield site and valuable nature area • Increase in traffic • Overdevelopment • Loss of general amenity • Site not allocated for development • Impact on…”

“Storrington and Sullington Parish Council: Objection - Outside of the built-up area…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two members of the public spoke against the application, and two ward members spoke about the proposal.

Committee discussion

Members considered the site’s planning history, dark skies, additional windows, neighbouring amenity, appeal issues and possible harm to the rural character.

“Members discussed the South Downs Local Plan Dark Skies Policy and raised concerns regarding the increased number of windows proposed in the application. Further discussion considered the impact on neighbouring amenity.”

“Clarification was gained on the planning inspectorate appeal history regarding location, biodiversity, ecology and water neutrality and the Committee discussed potential harm to the rural character of the area.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application in accordance with the officer recommendation, with an added condition securing the 110-litres-per-person-per-day water standard.

“4 There was also a verbal update at the meeting that Officers recommended imposing an additional planning condition to secure compliance with the Building Regulations Part G Optional Technical Standard (currently110 litres/person/day), as required by Policy 37 of the Horsham District Planning Framework.”

“That DC/25/1329 be approved in accordance with Officer Recommendation (updated by verbal addendum to include additional condition to secure compliance with Building Regulations Part G Optional Technical Standard 110 litres/person/day).”

Minutes