Eco-dwelling and garage at Ashill Fruit Farm, Ashill, Thetford

What was proposed

The application sought a two-storey barn-style eco-dwelling, garage, wildlife pond and landscaping as a self-build project.

“Proposal: Erection of 1no. double storey barn style eco-dwelling and garage including wildlife pond & landscaping (self build)”

“Erection of 1no. double storey barn style eco-dwelling and garage including wildlife pond & landscaping (self build).”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site forms part of a fruit farm in open countryside outside Ashill’s settlement boundary, surrounded by farmland, orchards and established planting.

“SITE DESCRIPTION The application site forms part of Ashill Fruit Farm, situated within the parish of Ashill but lying well outside any defined settlement boundary. For planning purposes, the site is therefore regarded as open countryside. The immediate surroundings are characterised by expanses of agricultural land and orchards, with the built form limited to sporadic farmsteads and associated buildings.”

Officer report

The officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended refusal because the proposal was unsustainable, harmed the countryside, raised highway safety concerns and lacked ecological and self-build evidence.

“The proposed dwelling would introduce a prominent and intrusive form of development into the open countryside, resulting in permanent erosion of the area’s intrinsic character and beauty. It would consolidate development in a manner at odds with the prevailing rural character, and the benefits of the applicant’s eco-design measures do not outweigh this fundamental harm.”

“While the Council recognises the potential benefits of self-build housing, no robust evidence, legal mechanism, or financial information has been submitted to secure the proposal as a genuine self-build project nor has a legal agreement been provided to secure the development as self build. The proposal would provide a single dwelling, which is a limited benefit in terms of housing supply.”

Officer report

Other representations

A ward councillor said the location guidance should not prevent rural development and that the dwelling could reduce vehicle movements while supporting family care and the business.

“REPRESENTATIONS One letter of representation received from Cllr Eagle stating: I am disappointed in Highways response. The sustainable response as you are aware is only guidance and this makes it nearly impossible for any development in our rural areas. In regard to visibility, this development will actually reduce car numbers, as the dwelling is to enable the applicants to live next door to their elderly parents to assist with their care and the family business.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The ward representative and chairman of Ashill Parish Council spoke in support of the application.

Members’ consideration

Members explored the application’s details in light of prevailing policies and guidance before reaching their decision.

“Consideration was given to the report presented by Will Hornbuckle, Senior Development Management Planner.”

“Members considered the matter and fully explored the details of the application in light of prevailing policies and guidance.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Members approved the application because they considered other material planning considerations outweighed overall Local Plan non-compliance, including the self-build nature and support for the adjacent business.

“Reasons: Members felt that other material planning considerations outweighed the non-compliance with the Local Plan as a whole including the self-build nature of the dwelling and the support this dwelling would provide to the adjacent business.”

Minutes