Self-build agricultural worker’s dwelling at Land off Woodside Road, Crosthwaite, Kendal

“Planning permission was granted for agricultural buildings between 2022 and 2025. All but the latest approved building has been built. The applicant states that the latest building is anticipated to be built this year. Planning permission is now sought to construct a five-bedroom self-build agricultural worker’s dwelling between the agricultural buildings and Woodside Road, 50m from the buildings.”

“The proposed building would be two-storey and have a rectangular footprint measuring approximately 15m in length by 8m in width by 7.5m in height with approximately 180sqm internal floor space. The external walls would be rendered with stone quoins except for a stone-faced porch and pergola, and the roof would be covered with slate. A car parking area and a package sewage treatment plant are proposed to the western side of the dwelling.”

“The application site is in the open countryside off Woodside Road, 1km to the north-east of Bowland Bridge. The site comprises a section of gravel hardcore track which leads to a collection of agricultural buildings and pastoral land either side.”

“The proposed dwelling would be set back approximately 45m from Woodside Road. The form of the proposed dwelling is a simple rectangular shape. The size of the proposed dwelling would not be unduly large in its context. The proposed rendered finish with stone sections and a slate roof would reflect the local vernacular.”

“The proposed dwelling would be partially screened from close public views and wider landscape views by the surrounding land levels and the rocky outcrops. Where the proposed dwelling is visible from the surrounding roads, the relationship between the existing farm infrastructure (access), farm buildings and the farmhouse would be noted and in wider landscape views, the building materials of local vernacular would contribute to the landscape character.”

“Lake District National Park Authority Development Control Committee – 5 November 2025 7/2025/5331 3.2 The Local Highway Authority states that access and the visibility splays are acceptable.”

“A member of the public queries the need for a dwelling when the applicant only lives 2.4 miles away and could continue farming there. Should planning permission be granted, they request that a condition is imposed requiring the dwelling is occupied only by an agricultural worker.”

“Not later than 12 months from the substantial completion of the development, landscaping of the site shall be undertaken in accordance with the details of a scheme which shall first have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The said scheme shall include details of hard and soft landscaping proposals and boundary treatments.”

“Prior to the first use of the development hereby permitted, the solar panels as shown on drawing no. D.03a shall be installed and shall be operational. Thereafter the solar panels shall be retained and maintained as operational.”

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