Replacement agricultural barn at Land West of Brookside Highground Lane

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing an existing barn and replacing it with a taller barn on the same footprint for agricultural storage.

“DESCRIPTION OF APPLICATIONThe application seeks to remove the barn and replace it with another of the same footprint.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the replacement acceptable because its footprint matched the existing barn, its materials suited the area, and it would not harm amenity, heritage or flood risk.

“The site is in flood zone 2 and 3. Part of the site is in flood zone 3b which is classified as functional flood plain. A Rife (small river) runs close to the site. The site is in the Lidsey Treatment Catchment Area and the Lidsey Flood Risk Zone (LFRZ).”

“In this case, the Environment Agency (EA) have no objections and state 'given that the proposed agricultural barn will be a like-for-like replacement within the same footprint of an existing structure, in this specific instance we have no objection to the proposed development as submitted. Our position is also provided on the basis that the replacement barn shall continue to be used for agricultural purposes, and the finished floor levels remain the same as existing.”

Officer report

Public speakers

No public speakers addressed the committee.

Members’ debate

A councillor asked why enforcement had not followed the larger-than-approved existing barn, and officers explained that enforcement is discretionary where significant harm is absent.

“During debate, Councillor Worne queried why enforcement action had not been taken when the existing barn was built larger than originally approved. Officers explained that enforcement is discretionary and only pursued where there is significant…”

“Subject to approval at the next Planning Committee meeting…”

Minutes