Livery buildings to storage at Trout Ponds Farm, Sheepy Magna

What was proposed

The application sought to convert existing livery buildings to storage and distribution for an arboricultural business and create 2,590 square metres of hardstanding.

“Proposal Proposed change of use of existing livery buildings to storage and distribution (Use Class B8) and formation of hardstanding area for agricultural use…”

“This planning application seeks full planning permission for the change of use of existing livery buildings to Use Class B uses (storage and distribution) in connection with the Applicant’s arboricultural business at Trout Ponds Farm, Twycross Road…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site lies outside Sheepy Magna’s settlement boundary in open countryside, among agricultural fields, trout ponds and existing farm buildings.

“The application site is located to the northwest of, and outside of, the identified settlement boundary of Sheepy Magna in the designated open countryside, including the Sheepy Magna and Surroundings Landscape Sensitivity Area and the Sence Lowlands Character Area. The site is wholly surrounded by open agricultural fields and the trout ponds, which are to the north, and southeast of the site.”

“The site itself comprises an existing agricultural building that was converted into a livery stable in 2002 and associated hard standing to the east and open agricultural fields to the west. The site forms part of the wider Holly Lodge Farm complex, which is not within the red line boundary of this application site. Holly Lodge Farm includes a farmhouse dwelling and a complex of a variety of agricultural buildings.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

The livery use was permitted in 2002, and attached agricultural barns were permitted for storage and distribution in 2025.

“Notification to determine if Prior Approval is required for the change of use of agricultural barns to storage and distribution (Class B8) • Permitted • 11.08.2025”

“Change of use of agricultural building to livery stables with alterations • Permitted • 13.09.2002”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the proposal was considered acceptable in its countryside, design, residential amenity and highway impacts, subject to conditions.

“Taking national and local planning policies into account, and regarding all relevant material considerations, it is recommended that planning permission to be granted, subject to the imposition of appropriate conditions.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Council and county consultees raised no objections subject to conditions, while the parish council asked that operations and access were not significantly intensified.

“There have been no objections from the Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s Environmental Services Department (subject to conditions) and Drainage Department, or Leicestershire County Council as the Local Highway Authority (subject to conditions) or the Minerals and Waste Planning Authority.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

People at eight addresses objected over noise, highway damage and safety, traffic, the area’s character, child safety and drainage.

“The application has been publicised by sending out letters to local residents and a site notice was posted within the vicinity of the site. A further round of consultation was undertaken following the submission of revised plans.”

“In total, public responses were received from eight separate addresses who objected to the development for a variety of reasons including noise and disturbance to neighbouring residential amenity, damage to the public highway, highway safety and increased traffic concerns via the existing access through Rodney Gardens, harm to the character of the area, child safety, and drainage concerns.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke on the application.

The committee vote

The amended recommendation was moved, seconded and agreed unanimously.

“Attention was drawn to the amended recommendation in the late items. It was moved by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Cook and unanimously…”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted subject to the conditions, possible biodiversity net gain arrangements, ecology confirmation and delegated powers over the final details.

“(ii) The Head of Planning be granted powers to determine the final detail of planning conditions and legal agreement.”

Minutes