Two rural dwellings at Beech Nut Farm, Meshaw, South Molton

“This application seeks full planning permission for the demolition of agricultural buildings and erection of 2 dwellings together with associated works (utilising a fallback position established by approval 80745)”

“The application relates to an agricultural barn located within the countryside at 'Beech Nut Farm' which is approximately 300 metres to the South of Meshaw.”

“The application site is part of a former farmyard. The site is accessed from a rural unclassified highway to the west. To the north of the site is an unauthorised workshop building and kennel, with neighbouring buildings beyond. To the east of the site is a dwelling which has been converted by Class Q. To the south and west are agricultural fields. Hedgerow screening is adjacent to the site on the west.”

“Reference Number Proposal Decision Decision Date 61573 PRIOR APPROVAL FOR CHANGE OF USE OF AGRICULTURAL BUILDING TO ONE DWELLING (CLASS Q(A)(B)) at AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS TO THE SOUTH OF BEECH CLOSE, MESHAW, DEVON, EX36 4NN WITHDRAWN 19 September 2016 66313 PRIOR APPROVAL FOR CHANGE OF USE OF ONE AGRICULTURAL BUILDING TO ONE DWELLINGHOUSE (CLASS Q(A)(B)) at AGRICULTURAL BUILDING TO THE SOUTH OF BEECH CLOSE, MESHAW, DEVON, PRIOR APP CHANGE USE APPROVED 17 April 2019 80745…”

“This application relates to two new dwellings in the Countryside and thus there is conflict with policy ST07 (4) of the NDTLP. Nevertheless, the scheme proposes a ‘fall back,’ which seeks to justify the proposal based upon the fact that they ‘could’ build out a conversion for two dwellings which was permitted by planning application 80745 on the 10/11/2025.”

“Lynton House, Commercial Road, Barnstaple EX31 1DG | www.northdevon.gov.uk 1 Letter of objection has been received which discuss restrictions on a neighbouring barn, as well as landscape impact/design. The matter of landscape impact/design is discussed within the report.”

“The condition relating to restrictions on the neighbouring barn uses does not extend to the neighbouring barn at Beech Close, and thus this has not been considered further.”

“In response to questions from the Committee, the Lead Officer Development Manager advised the following:”

“A consideration of the planning implications for the fall-back had been made, however, it was accepted that this scheme would result in a ‘betterment’ to the extant scheme, subject to conditions relating to sustainability improvements.”

“RESOLVED (unanimous) that the application be APPROVED as recommended by the Lead Officer Development Manager.”