Four homes at Brandwood Fold Farm, Withnell, Chorley

What was proposed

The application proposed converting a former barn and piggery into two homes, building two detached homes, and changing access and landscaping.

“The application seeks planning permission for the conversion and extension of an existing former barn/piggery into 2no. dwellings (plots 1 and 2) and the erection of 2no. detached dwellings (plots 3 and 4), following the demolition of existing buildings as well as various access alterations and landscaping follows:”

“Access and landscaping 6. Access to the existing site is currently taken from Chorley Road which is accessed from the A674 Blackburn Road to the south of the site. Due to the restricted one direction configuration of this access, the proposed development seeks to utilise a new primary access to the site from Withnell Fold, this being an unadopted gravel road currently serving Withnell Fold Cricket Club.”

Officer report

The site

The site contains former agricultural buildings in the Green Belt, beside an unadopted track, with a public footpath and open fields nearby.

“The application site is located in the Green Belt as defined by the Chorley Local Plan 2012- 2026, within the rural locality of Withnell. It contains a cluster of former agricultural buildings of varied size, scale and design located to the east of an unadopted track which is accessed from the A674 Blackburn Road to the south and from Withnell Fold to the north. A public footpath (footpath no.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Forty-three representations objected to Green Belt, access, safety, conservation, wildlife and construction impacts, while consultees gave mixed responses.

“Forty-three representations have been received citing the following grounds of objection to the proposed development –”

“Impacts on the Green Belt • The proposed access along a public footpath would be unsuitable • No justification as to why a new access is required • Pedestrian and highway safety would be prejudiced • Impacts on the Withnell Fold Conservation Area • Visual impacts of the proposed access and air pollution • Impacts on wildlife • Dual applications have caused confusion • Application is contrary to the NPPF including that applications should protect and enhance our natural,…”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector, a supporter and the agent spoke to the committee.

Committee discussion

A motion to defer the application for a site visit was proposed and seconded before members resolved to grant permission.

“After careful consideration, it was proposed by Councillor Alan Whittaker, seconded by Councillor Katie Wilkie for the application to be deferred to allow members to visit the site. It was then proposed by Councillor Alex Hilton, and seconded by Councillor Craige Southern, and subsequently resolved (7 for, 4 against) that planning permission be granted, subject to conditions.”

Minutes