Ten homes at Pear Tree Farm, Brierley, Barnsley

What was proposed

The application proposed eight new homes, two converted outbuildings, demolition of the existing bungalow and farmhouse, a new access and landscaping.

“The application seeks full planning permission for the erection of 8x new dwellinghouses and the conversion of existing outbuildings to create 2x dwellinghouses. The existing bungalow and farmhouse are to be demolished to facilitate the development. Other associated works include the formation of a site access off Church Street and landscaping.”

“Application reference number 2025/0120 Application Type Full Planning Application Proposal Description: Erection of 8 dwellings; conversion of outbuildings to create 2 residential dwellings and associated works including formation of access and landscaping, following the demolition of existing bungalow and farmhouse. (Amended Plans & Description)”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 0.49-hectare site contains a farmhouse, bungalow and outbuildings within the conservation area, beside homes, a public footpath, trees and open fields.

“The site is located to the east of Church Road, Brierley and is square in shape, extending to circa 0.49ha. The site consists of 3x separate collection of buildings – the farmhouse; the bungalow and the outbuildings. However, there is no defined boundary or curtilage between the buildings, with the wider site being open in nature.”

“The site is currently accessed via an informal track towards the north-western corner of the site, off the road bend on Church Street. The access is secured via a gate, whilst the front boundary is defined by a stone wall which adjoins the corner of the outbuilding. The outbuildings are sited to the north of the access track, and define the north-western corner of the site boundary.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would provide housing in a sustainable location, with acceptable environmental, social, highway and amenity effects.

“The National Planning Policy Frameworks is an important material consideration related to this case, in particular paragraph 61 which states that to support the Government’s objective of significantly boosting the supply of homes, it is important that a sufficient amount and variety of land can come forward where it is needed, that the needs of groups with specific housing requirements are addressed and that land with permission is developed without unnecessary delay.”

“The development will deliver notable social benefits through the provision of new housing, meanwhile no significant harm to the amenity of existing or future residents has been identified. The proposal will also generate modest economic benefits through employment during construction and increased local expenditure following occupation, which adds further positive weight.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Consultees raised no objection subject to conditions and contributions covering matters including biodiversity, education, trees, drainage, highways, materials and construction.

“BMBC Biodiversity Officer – The application has been supported by sufficient ecology surveys including a bat activity report. The BNG report and associated metric indicates a gain of 0.31 habitat units (+13.36%) and 0.75 hedgerow units (331.2%) which is to be achieved through a combination of on-site and off-site habitat creation and enhancement proposals.”

“BMBC Highways DC – Amendments to the site layout/width of the proposed road have been undertaken during the assessment of the application to address concerns raised by the Highways DC Officers. A Road Safety Audit brief has also been agreed as part of the assessment, and the Stage 1 Road Safety Audit must be undertaken and agreed in writing by the LPA prior to any works commencing onsite.”

Officer report

What residents said

Twenty-one residents objected, citing traffic, highway safety, ecology, amenity, conservation, parking, trees, noise and other concerns; one letter supported the proposal.

“- Advertised on the Council website; - Adjacent residents notified by letter; - Site notices displayed adjacent to the site; - Advertised in local press.”

“- Increased traffic; - Lack of local school places; - Impact upon habitats/ecological species; - Highway safety concerns/poor visibility; - Impact upon residential amenity/wellbeing; - Overshadowing of existing properties; - Impact upon Conservation Area; - Further bat surveys required; - Loss of open space; - Increased noise levels; - Impact upon the character of the area; - Impact/increased demand on local amenities; - Lack of public consultation; - Loss of existing…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker attended the meeting and spoke against the officer recommendation to approve the application.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted full planning permission subject to conditions and signing a Section 106 agreement.

“[name withheld] attended the meeting and spoke against the Officer recommendation to approve the application.”

“RESOLVED that full planning permission was granted subject to conditions and signing of the Section 106 Agreement.”

Minutes