Barn and stables dwelling at Primrose Hill Farm, Heywood

What was proposed

The application sought to convert existing agricultural buildings into one seven-bedroom home, with a small extension, parking and private amenity space.

“The proposed development purely seeks the change of use of the existing agricultural barn, stables and associated outbuildings to create one 7-bedroom residential dwelling with accompanying external works.”

“The existing internal courtyard area would be used for car parking and private amenity space with an additional parking area to the north elevation of the larger barn.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The barns and stables are within the Green Belt beside the farmhouse, and an enforcement investigation followed unauthorised development before this application was submitted.

“The application site is located within the Green Belt and it relates to the existing barns and stables building at Primrose Hill Farm, Rochdale Road East, Heywood, OL10 1RL. The application site does not involve works to the existing main house at Primrose Hill Farm. The application site has been subject to an on-going enforcement investigation which resulted in a Temporary Stop Notice being served to put a stop to unauthorised development taking place.”

“The large barn building comprises a tiled roof. A cobbled stone courtyard centres the site and there is a gated entrance to the courtyard in the south and west. The site is accessed to the north of Rochdale Road East and the same road provides access to two semi-detached properties further north as well as an equestrian centre.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal was acceptable in principle, suitable for the site and would not materially harm the Green Belt or area.

“The application relates to a previously developed site within the Green Belt and the development proposed is not by definition inappropriate development in the Green Belt.”

“The proposed development would support a viable redevelopment to provide much needed family housing provision to the borough as a whole. It is considered that any perceived harm arising from the loss of this dilapidated agricultural space in this instance is outweighed by bringing the site into a beneficial residential use.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Team Leader introduced the report, no objectors attended, and the Chair invited the applicant to address the Committee.

The committee vote

A motion to approve the application was moved and seconded, then passed unanimously in favour.

“It was MOVED and SECONDED that the application be approved.”

“On being put to the vote, it was UNANIMOUSLY cast IN FAVOUR of approval.”

Minutes

The final decision

The Committee granted full planning permission for the proposal, subject to the conditions set out in the officer report.

“DECISION: That full planning permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions set out in the report.”

Minutes