Dwelling extension at High Haybridge, Bouth

“Application number: 7/2025/5256 Application type: Full Planning application Applicant: [name withheld]: High Haybridge, Bouth, Cumbria, LA12 8JG Grid reference: 333732 487124 Proposal: Construction of a part single storey, part two storey extension to a dwelling Report prepared by: Kelsey Blain, Area Planner Report agreed by: Kevin Richards, Planning Manager Recommendation: APPROVE with conditions…”

“This application has been submitted following the receipt of pre-application advice from the Authority in February of this year. Planning permission is sought for the construction of a two storey extension with single storey elements.”

“High Haybridge is a detached dwelling, located adjacent to Hay Bridge Wood, an Ancient Semi Natural Woodland in the Rusland Valley. The site is surrounded by the Hay Bridge Nature Reserve which is a Country Wildlife Site. The Rusland Valley Mosses SSSI and Yewbarrow Wood SSSI sit approximately 500 metres to the north and 850 metres to the east of the application site respectively.”

“The building is a former bank barn, converted into a dwelling in the 1950s/60s. Following the building’s conversion, a large, single storey extension was constructed, projecting at a right angle from the building’s south elevation and connecting to a former outbuilding. This extension has been demolished in recent years.”

“There is an extensive planning history at the site comprising planning permission for a number of extensions and alterations. The most relevant of these is planning permission 7/2022/5315 for a replacement single storey extension. A Certificate of Lawfulness (7/2024/5005) was granted confirming that a material commencement had taken place on planning permission 7/2022/5315 and that this permission was now extant.”

“This application is for the extension of an existing dwelling and therefore accords with the spatial strategy set out in Policy 02 and is acceptable in principle. The main issues in this assessment are: • Character and appearance of the area • Ecology and Protected Species • Impact on trees and Ancient Semi Natural Woodland (ASNW)”

“The planning practice guidance on the natural environment sets out how planning authorities should assess the potential impact of development proposals on ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees, stating that LPAs need to consider both direct and indirect impacts on ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees and the scope for avoiding or mitigating adverse impacts.”

“Colton Parish Council object to the application on the following grounds: • Scale – the scale of the proposed development is disproportionately large and not in keeping with character of the surrounding area. It would have an adverse impact on the local landscape. • The development is in very close proximity to a number of fragile and environmentally sensitive areas including SSSIs and the Hay Bridge Nature Reserve.”

“We have received one letter of support which can be summarised as follows: • The property is in need of restoration and the proposed plans are acceptable.”

“Details of any external lighting shall be submitted to, and agreed in writing by, the Local Planning Authority prior to installation. The submitted details shall include the location, design and lumens of the proposed lighting. Such lighting shall be maintained in accordance with the approved details thereafter.”

“Prior to the first use of the development hereby permitted, at least 30 percent of the operational energy requirements of the development shall be secured from decentralised, district heating and/or renewable or low-carbon energy sources. Details and a timetable of how this is to be achieved, including details of any physical works on site, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

“Motion to approve the application with conditions Proposed by [name withheld] by [name withheld] were unanimously in favour of motion…”