Three homes and access works at Brandwood Fold Farm, Withnell, Chorley

What was proposed

The application proposed converting a former barn and piggery into two homes, building a detached home, 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 1no. detached dwelling (plot 3) 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 is a group of former agricultural buildings in the Green Belt, beside an unadopted track and near open fields, woodland and a public footpath.

“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 responses

Highways, ecology, archaeology and utilities consultees raised no objections subject to conditions, while the rights of way team and parish council raised concerns about the access.

“Greater Manchester Ecology Unit (GMEU) - Have stated that they raise no overall objections to the application on ecology grounds, subject to conditions. See main body of report for more information.”

“Lancashire County Council Public Rights of Way Team (LCC PRoW) - Have stated that they are not supportive of the proposed development on the basis that a public footpath (no. FP0903006) runs along the access to the proposed development and they have no record of there being any public vehicular rights along the access and without private vehicular rights or permission from the owner it is a criminal offence to drive a motor vehicle on the public path.”

Officer report

What people said

Forty-four objections cited Green Belt, access, safety, conservation, wildlife and construction concerns, while two representations supported redevelopment but questioned the access.

“The track out to the main road has been used by all the house for many years. • LCC Highways need to look carefully at the track in and out from Withnell Fold. • It is a private single file track. • Inconsiderate parking around that area means emergency vehicles requiring access would struggle. • The lie of the land at the start of the track makes it difficult for large vehicles to access it. • Brandwood Fold Farm is in need of redevelopment.”

“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

The speakers were an objector, a supporter and the agent.

The committee vote

Members voted by seven votes to four to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

“After careful consideration, it was proposed by Councillor Alex Hilton, seconded by Councillor Craige Southern and subsequently resolved (7 for, 4 against) that planning permission be granted, subject to conditions.”

Minutes