Barn-style dwelling at Agricultural Barn At Loddarts Farm, Woodham Mortimer

What was proposed

The application sought demolition of an agricultural barn and outbuilding and construction of a new dwelling in the style of the original barn.

“Planning permission is sought for the demolition of the existing barn and outbuilding and erection of a new dwelling in the style of the original barn. The application is submitted pursuant to the recent grant of prior approval in April 2025 for the conversion of the existing barn to residential use (application ref 25/00019/PACUAR).”

“In reviewing the scheme as part of the preparation of detailed design drawings for the conversion, the applicant has explained that they wish to create a dwelling that is as sustainable and energy efficient as possible; and that there is also now a need for the dwelling to be as wheelchair adaptable as possible.”

Officer report

The site

The site is in open countryside between two villages, surrounded by fields, with some homes to the east, and the barn is not listed.

“The application site is located on the southern side of Lodge Road, between the villages of Hazeleigh and Woodham Mortimer. The vacant barn proposed for conversion adjoins the existing gated and entrance to the site from Lodge Road, and comprises a steel portal frame system clad in metal sheet cladding and concrete blocks, with corrugated sheet roof.”

“The area is rural in character, the site being surrounded by mixed use fields, with some residential properties to the east of the site at Kinvara Manor and Lodge Farm.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the replacement would be broadly similar to the approved conversion and would not harm the area, neighbours, highways or ecology.

“The overall design of the replacement structure is broadly similar to that of the conversion scheme. Whilst there are some changes proposed to the material palette and adjustments to windows and levels, the design of the proposed development is considered acceptable and would comprise a sensitive development that is comparative with the current appearance and in keeping with the local area both in terms of scale and architectural design.”

“It is considered that the proposed development accords with all other relevant policies contained within the approved Maldon District Local Development Plan (LDP) and the NPPF and is recommended for approval.”

Officer report

Main planning balance

Although the site is outside a settlement and considered unsustainable, the existing permission and likely fallback made one home acceptable.

“When comparing the proposed new-build dwelling with the prior approval fallback scheme, it is clear that the scale, form and massing are broadly similar; as such the current proposal would not give rise to any materially greater landscape or spatial impacts than the conversion scheme.”

“Whilst the development is considered to be in an unsustainable location, outside of any settlement boundary and contrary to Policy S8 of the LDP, due to the fallback position that exists at the site by virtue of the recently granted prior approval for conversion of the barn, and the realistic prospect of that scheme being implemented in any event if planning permission were to be refused, the principle of creating a…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council supported the replacement barn, highways raised no objection subject to conditions, and internal consultees also raised no objection subject to conditions.

“Name of Internal Consultee Comment Officer Response Environmental Health No objection subject to conditions relating to surface water and foul drainage, and informatives. Noted, see section 5.8 Ecology No objection, subject to securing agreed mitigation, Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy and sensitive lighting. Noted, see section 5.9”

Officer report

Public comments

No third-party comments were received about the proposal.

“The application was advertised by way of a site notice posted on 30 June 2025 (with expiry date for comments set at 21 July 2025. The notices were affixed at eye level to a telegraph pole immediately adjoining the site.”

“No third party comments have been received in relation to the proposals…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent addressed the committee after the officer’s presentation.

The committee vote

Councillor E L Stephens proposed approval, the motion was seconded, and the committee agreed it on a vote.

“Councillor E L Stephens then proposed that they approve this application. This was duly seconded.”

“Upon a vote being taken the proposal to approve was agreed, subject to the conditions detailed in the report.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved subject to conditions covering matters including drainage, transport, ecology, lighting and future changes to the dwelling.

“Prior to first occupation of the development, the Developer shall be responsible for the provision, implementation and distribution of Residential Travel Information Packs for sustainable transport, as approved by Essex County Council, to include six one day travel vouchers for use with the relevant local public transport operator. This pack (including tickets) is to be provided by the Developer to the dwelling free of charge.”

“Prior to installation of any external lighting, a lighting design scheme for biodiversity shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The scheme shall identify how lighting impacts will be avoided upon the Essex Estuaries Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the Crouch and Roach Estuaries Special Protection Area (SPA), Ramsar and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and show how and where external lighting will be installed…”

Minutes