Temporary workers dwelling at Ghyll House Farm, Limekiln Farm, Copsale

What was proposed

The application sought a three-year temporary workers dwelling and changes to land and an existing barn for mixed agricultural and equestrian use.

“Secondly, planning permission is sought for the change of use of land at Oakleigh Farm, located to the south-west of Limekiln Wood, from agricultural use to a mixed agricultural and equestrian use. This part of the proposal does not include any modifications to the existing pasture.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The proposal covered Limekiln Farm and Oakleigh Farm, rural parcels separated by Ancient Woodland and accessed from Broadwater Lane.

“The application site comprises two parcels of land which historically formed part of Ghyll House Farm. Ghyll House Farm has subsequently been fragmented and sold as individual plots. The eastern parcel is known as Limekiln Farm and extends to approximately 4.71 hectares, whilst the western parcel is known as Oakleigh Farm and extends to approximately 5.43 hectares. The two parcels are physically separated by Limekiln Wood.”

“The site is rural in character and is surrounded by agricultural land to the north, south, east and west. Limekiln Wood, which is designated as Ancient Woodland, lies immediately to the north of Oakleigh Farm. A further area of Ancient Woodland adjoins the south-eastern part of Limekiln Farm, close to the location of the proposed temporary dwelling.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier applications included a withdrawn temporary living unit and permission for stables, a hay barn, sand school and related facilities.

“DC/22/1576 Application for the temporary (time-limited by condition) use of one mobile living unit for an essential night-time agricultural worker. Withdrawn Application on 17.03.2023”

“DC/23/1325 Construction of a stable block with associated storage and staff room facilities. Construction of machinery/hay storage barn and a water borehole plant room. Construction of a sand school. Application Permitted on 12.08.2024”

Officer report

Technical advice

Consultees ultimately raised no objection, subject to conditions covering drainage, ecology, lighting and arboricultural protection.

“HDC Drainage Engineer: Initial Comment: 03/11/2025 Objection It is noted, that following the drainage consultation response on the 08/08/2025, the proposed temporary dwelling has been relocated to the west, and the drainage strategy has been revised, differing considerably to the Water/Drainage Plan, Reference 082/04, May 2025 (referred to in the drainage consultation response 08/08/2025).”

“Final Comment No objection subject to conditions (10 th June 2026) (Summary) Following review of the submitted Ecological Appraisal Survey Update (May 2026) and the earlier Ecological Impact Assessment (August 2023), Place Services confirm that sufficient ecological information is now available to support determination of the application and raise no ecological objection, subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Objections and support

Twenty-seven letters objected over countryside effects, traffic, permanence and the business justification, while three letters supported the animal welfare and rural business reasons.

“The temporary nature of the development and concerns it may become permanent residential use. • Unsuitability of the land for the proposed equestrian or stud farm use. • Unjustified residential development in the countryside contrary to Policy 26 of the HDPF and relevant neighbourhood plan policies • Impact on local area and character of the countryside. • Concerns over traffic and access. • Scale and permanence of the proposed buildings.”

“Functional need for a worker to live on site • Personal knowledge of the applicant’s equine experience and professionalism. • Belief that the proposal supports rural business and horse welfare. • Positive references to responsible animal care and appropriate rural use.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicants spoke in support of the proposal.

What members discussed

Members discussed the planning history, dwelling size, access, sustainability and future development, and identified a change needed to the occupation condition.

“Members noted the planning history of the application.”

“Members discussed the size of the proposed dwelling, access to the development, sustainability and future development at the site.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application in accordance with the officer recommendation, with the occupation condition amended to refer to Limekiln Farm.

“Members noted that Condition 9 referenced Ghyll House Farm which was the former wider site. The farm had since been subdivided and the Condition would be amended to read as Limekiln Farm.”

“That DC/25/0883 be approved in accordance with officer recommendation.”

Minutes

Main permission limits

The permission included a three-year removal requirement and conditions controlling biodiversity, lighting, drainage, ecology, water use and occupation.

“Pre-Occupation Condition: Prior to occupation of the dwelling hereby approved, a Biodiversity Enhancement Layout for biodiversity enhancements listed in the Ecological Impact Assessment Revision 01 (Lizard Landscape Design and Ecology, August 2023), shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.”

“Pre-Occupation Condition: Prior to occupation of the dwelling hereby approved, a “lighting design strategy for biodiversity” in accordance with Guidance Note 08/23 (Institute of Lighting Professionals) shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.”

Officer report