Barn conversion to dwelling at Redundant Barn Adjacent To Burnthouse Cottage Northmostown, Sidmouth

“The application seeks permission to convert an existing thresher barn into a 3-bedroom, 6-person dwelling. The proposal would introduce a large, glazed window on the front elevation which would fill an existing opening which is currently a large timber door. The front elevation would also feature a centrally positioned roof light.”

“The rear elevation would see a large, single storey, sedum-roofed extension introduced. The bulk of the extension would measure approximately 10.8 metres in width, 5.8 metres in length and 3.4 metres in height. The extension would partially wrap around the side elevation. The overall footprint of the extension measures at approximately 65m 2 , which represents a doubling of the existing footprint.”

“The site is located 1.5 miles South of Northmostown and approximately 1 mile(by foot) from Colaton Raleigh to the East. The plot measures approximately 580m 2 and is located within the East Devon National Landscape.”

“A site visit was conducted on 14/01/2026 where it was observed that the site slopes relatively steeply down from the Southwest to Northeast. This means that the barn sits in an elevated position in comparison to the adjacent buildings. The site would be considered prominent within its locality and holds a visual relationship with the adjacent farm buildings.”

“The proposed new extension will not be very visible from the front and as the proposal seeks to retain the existing walls and structure the appearance will be of a traditional style barn design. Initial concerns regarding Barn Owl and bat roosting sites seem to have been mitigated as detailed in the reports. The Parish Council therefore supports this application.”

“Environmental Health 23/01/26 - I have considered the application and do not anticipate any environmental health concerns…”

“Two letters of objection have been received from third parties which raise issues relating to visual impact, neighbour amenity, heritage impacts and missing information.”

“In addition to the parking area, a pathway to the dwelling will be created. This pathway will lead directly to the extension which projects beyond the side elevation of the barn. The extension would be finished in blackened timber cladding, feature large amounts of glazing and afforded a small, terraced area to its South (side) elevation. The extension, by virtue of its footprint, has been considered a substantial addition to the barn.”

“These alterations and landscaping would collectively domesticate a structure with an otherwise robust and uncluttered appearance. The introduction of openings, a large extension, roof lights, parking area and a domestic garden space would dilute the strong characteristics of a simple agricultural structure that is recognised as holding cultural heritage value.”

“A recorded vote was taken. Councillors Wragg, Hunt and Davey voted in favour. Councillors Barlow and Hughes voted against. No abstentions.”

“RESOLVED: Refused in accordance with officer recommendation, subject to the removal of Reason 4 (ecology) from the reasons for refusal, as set out in the amended recommendation.”