Stable block dwelling at Six Acres Farm, Flamstead, St Albans

“PROPOSAL 4.1. Planning permission is sought to change the use of the existing ‘L’ shaped stable block from agricultural to residential use. The proposal would result in a two bedroom dwelling with on- site car parking.”

“The conversion would require external alterations to the existing stable block, including cladding external walls in blackened timber, the installation of an extensive sedum green roof to outward facing roof slopes, and the installation of dark pressed metal with photovoltaic panels on the inward facing roof slope. A new hardwood timber door and hardwood timber windows would also be inserted.”

“Given the above, it is considered that the proposed development would be in accordance with the relevant local and national planning policies. SITE DESCRIPTION 3.1. The application site is comprised of a derelict ‘L’ shaped stable block and partially constructed barn, situated on the southwest side of Hollybush Lane.”

“The site is just outside of the designed village of Flamstead and is entirely within the Metropolitan Green Belt. The site is also adjacent to the Chilterns National Landscape (formerly known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The site is subject to an Article 4 Direction, preventing the existing fields from being subdivided into smaller paddocks.”

“Consent has been previously granted under application 20/02464/FUL for the change of use of the agricultural stable block into a residential dwelling. Prior to this, under application 4/01021/09/FUL, consent was granted for the construction of a single storey barn which would be located alongside the stable block. Though the construction works for the barn were started in 2011, these works have not been completed.”

“4/01021/09/FUL - New barn (amended scheme) GRANTED - 1st September 2009”

“RECOMMENDATION 1.1 That planning permission be DELEGATED with a view to APPROVAL subject to completion of an appropriate assessment in accordance with article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive and securing a mitigation package to avoid any further significant effects on the Chilterns Beechwood Special Area of Conservation (“SAC”) through financial contributions secured by legal agreement and the conditions set out in this report. SUMMARY”

“The proposed development is considered to be acceptable in principle and appropriate development in the Green Belt as set out under paragraph 154 of the NPPF (2024).”

“That observed, the tracking does confirm that the access reasonably accommodates emergency vehicles, and that the ability for such vehicles to manoeuvre within the site such that they may draw within an acceptable distance of all habitable spaces formed, and overcomes the Highway Authorities concerns on this matter. The Highway Authority recognise that the access is existing, but that it is in the form of an agricultural access, being unbound and gated.”

“Resolved: That planning permission be DELEGATED with a view to APPROVAL. RECOMMENDATION That planning permission is DELEGATED with a VIEW TO APPROVAL subject to the completion of a legal agreement to secure appropriate contributions towards SAMM and SANG in accordance with the Chiltern Beechwoods Mitigation Strategy and the following planning conditions.”