Agricultural storage barn at Lime Tree Farm, Well Place Road, Ipsden

What was proposed

The application sought permission for a general purpose agricultural storage barn for machinery, fodder, hay, straw, supplies and seasonal lambing.

“Proposal The application seeks planning permission for the erection of an agricultural storage barn. According to the submitted Planning Statement the barn would be used primarily for the storage of machinery, fodder, hay, straw and general agricultural supplies, with seasonal use for lambing. A copy of the proposed plans is attached as Appendix 2. Other documentation associated with the application can be viewed on the council’s website, www.southoxon.gov.uk.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a 0.8-hectare farmyard parcel in the Chilterns National Landscape, with protected lime trees along Well Place Road.

“The application site is located within a 0.8ha rectangular parcel of land within the applicant’s ownership. The site slopes gently down from south to north with the northern boundary running alongside Well Place Road. There are a row of protected lime trees along this boundary within the application site. The site lies within a shallow valley bottom in the heart of the Chilterns National Landscape.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

Earlier permissions covered an agricultural barn and hardstanding, while a general purpose agricultural storage building application was withdrawn in March 2026.

“RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY P22/S0584/FUL – Planning Permission is Granted – 02/08/2022 Proposed agricultural barn (as amended by plan received 14 April 2022 to reposition the building further from the protected trees)”

“P25/S4066/AG - Withdrawn - 02/03/2026 General purpose agricultural storage building.”

Officer report

Officers’ assessment

Officers considered the building necessary for the farming enterprise and acceptable with conditions, despite some adverse landscape effects and visibility.

“Recognising the needs and importance of the farming industry, the majority of new agricultural buildings (up to 1500m2) fall within permitted development rights granted through the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended), and do not require a formal grant of planning permission. These rights apply irrespective of whether the site is within the National Landscape or not.”

“The proposed additional barn would result in a further incursion into the countryside, increasing the extent of built development. In this regard, there would be some adverse effect on the landscape character and views within the National Landscape, including from the Chiltern Way.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council objected to overdevelopment and landscape intrusion; consultees requested materials, landscaping, lighting and drainage controls.

“Consultees Ipsden Parish Council - Objection due to overdevelopment and intrusion into an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by the introduction of an oversized building constructed with intrusive metal walls which will have a negative impact on the open landscape character in this location.”

“Landscape Architect (South and Vale) - Some adverse effect on landscape character- barn should be timber clad (like existing) and not clad with metal sheets. Landscaping on site boundaries is required and details of lighting.”

Officer report

Public views

Five people objected over contracting use, landscape and traffic, while fifteen supported farming, food production and the local character.

“Objections – 5 - Proposal would be used for an agricultural contracting business. - Impact on the landscape - Traffic impacts…”

“Support - 15 - Infrastructure to support food production should be supported - Barn would be in keeping with the area - Should support farmers…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer presented the application, and Councillor Norman spoke as ward councillor but did not debate or vote.

Committee discussion

Members discussed roofing materials and concerns about other uses, with advice that an existing condition restricted the building to agriculture.

“Members debated the application and considered an additional condition relating to the materials to be used for the roof. Member expressed concern over the building being used for other purposes but was advised that condition 7 restricted the use to agricultural purposes.”

“Additional condition: Notwithstanding the details indicated on the plans hereby approved, no development above slab level shall commence until a photographic schedule of the roofing materials to be used has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

Minutes

The vote

A motion to approve the application with an additional roofing-material condition was carried on being put to the vote.

“A motion, proposed by Councillor Topping, and seconded by Councillor Ramsdale, to approve the application with the additional condition relating to roofing material was carried on being put to the vote.”

Minutes

Final decision

The committee approved the application subject to the report’s conditions and the additional condition requiring roofing-material details before work above slab level.

“RESOLVED: to approve planning application P25/S1025/FUL subject to the conditions as set out in the report and the additional condition agreed at the meeting.”

Minutes