Temporary barn dwelling at Middleton Top Camp Site Rise End Middleton By Wirksworth, Middleton

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective permission to use an existing campsite barn as living accommodation for two more years.

“Retrospective planning permission is sought to continue to use the barn at Middleton Top Campsite as living accommodation for a further two years to allow the applicant to continue living on the site to run the campsite and complete the building of the dwelling at 20 Rise End which was granted planning permission under Ref. No. 20/00968/FUL and has been commenced.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The timber-clad barn is at the south-west corner of a campsite, accessed from Rise End and within the Middleton by Wirksworth Conservation Area.

“The timber clad barn to which this application relates is located to the south-west corner of the camping field. The site has been used as a campsite for a number of years with an application made to the Local Planning Authority in 2015 to redevelop campsite and provide further and more permanent facilities including the erection of the barn itself.”

“The site is accessed off Rise End to the west where the field is most clearly viewed and is also overlooked by the properties on Rise End. The site is also set to the north of the High Peak Trail and is located within the Middleton by Wirksworth Conservation Area.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions and building work

The campsite was previously approved for redevelopment, while a separate approved dwelling at 20 Rise End had started construction.

“15/00101/FUL Redevelopment of campsite including provision of barn, toilet and shower block and shop with associated new areas of hard standing PERC 21/04/2016”

“20/00968/FUL Erection of one dwelling and boundary wall…”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the temporary period and the commenced dwelling outweighed policy and permanent-amenity concerns, subject to conditions.

“The application seeks retrospective planning consent to use an existing barn as temporary living accommodation and to allow it to be used as such for a further period of two years whilst the new build dwelling at 20 Rise End is completed.”

“Although it is not considered that the development complies with Policy HC8 of the adopted Local Plan (Conversion and re-use of buildings for residential conversion), or provides the level of amenity expected from a permanent residence, it is acknowledged that the consent is sought for a temporary period only, and has an established connection with an existing permission for a dwelling which has commenced construction.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A ward member and three local residents spoke against the application, while a local resident and the applicant spoke in support.

The committee vote

Councillors David Hughes and John Bointon moved and seconded approval, which was agreed unanimously.

“It was moved by Councillor David Hughes, seconded by Councillor John Bointon and…”

“That planning permission be approved for temporary consent subject to the conditions set out in section 8.00 the report.”

Minutes

The final decision

Temporary permission was approved subject to conditions ending residential use within two years and requiring the barn to return to campsite storage.

“The temporary use of the barn for residential buildings shall cease within 2 years of the date of this permission, and the building thereafter should be returned to its previous use, providing storage for the Middleton Top Campsite as set out in planning permission 15/00101/FUL.”

Minutes