Four rural dwellings at Land and Building at Lower Moneysland, Kentisbeare

What was proposed

The application sought four dwellings after demolishing agricultural barns, using the Class Q fallback position and retaining the existing farmyard access.

“The application seeks full planning permission for the demolition of four agricultural barns and the construction of four dwellings at Lower Moneysland Farm, located in the countryside to the east of Blackborough.”

“The proposed development would replace the existing barns with four detached dwellings (Plots 1–4), broadly reflecting the footprint and general arrangement of buildings approved under a recent Class Q prior approval. The dwellings vary in size between three and four bedroom units and adopt a simple agricultural vernacular using stone, render, timber cladding and slate roofs. Each plot includes private gardens, on-plot parking, and landscaping.”

Officer report

The site

The site was a farmyard with four barns, surrounded by modified grassland and hardstanding, with agricultural fields and woodland beyond.

“The site comprises a farmyard area containing four barns of varying size and condition, surrounded by modified grassland and hardstanding. The wider landholding includes agricultural fields and woodland beyond the red line.”

Officer report

Earlier permission

A prior approval allowed two agricultural buildings to be converted into four dwellings under Class Q.

“24/01248/PNCOU - APA date 13th February 2025 Prior notification for the change of use of 2 agricultural buildings to 4 dwellings under Class Q”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission subject to a Section 106 contribution of £2,718 for secondary school transport and planning conditions.

“(i) The prior completion of a Section 106 planning obligation (in a form acceptable to Devon County Council's solicitor(s)) before the decision notice granting planning permission is issued, to secure the following:”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the proposal contained within the farmyard, improved the rural appearance, protected highway safety and could mitigate ecological effects.

“Policy S14 permits residential development in the countryside where it is well-integrated with the local landscape, retains the appearance of rural buildings or clusters, and avoids unacceptable impacts. The proposal is confined strictly within the established farmyard and does not spread into the adjoining fields. The replacement of agricultural sheds with well-”

“The layout follows the established pattern of the existing farmyard, retaining an open central space and ensuring the dwellings sit comfortably within the yard. Garden areas have been positioned to maintain separation from the surrounding agricultural land and to avoid harm to the wider landscape. The block plan demonstrates clearly that the development will remain visually contained.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council and technical consultees raised no objections, while ecology consultees requested mitigation, lighting and biodiversity net gain conditions.

“AGENDA 18 No objection subject to conditions requiring:”

“Ecological Mitigation & Enhancement Plan • Sensitive lighting strategy • Bat licence mitigation acknowledgement • Net Gain delivery and 30-year management…”

Officer report

Public representations

No neighbour or general public representations were received.

“No representation received from neighbour or the general public…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Area Team Leader presented the application and explained its fallback position, design, ecological measures, drainage and education contribution.

What members discussed

Members discussed the timing of bat roosting and were told that compliance requirements would be set out in the ecology report.

“Consideration to be given to bat roosting times. It was explained that any conditions to be complied with would be outlined in the Ecology report.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions and completion of a Section 106 agreement securing the secondary school transport contribution.

“It was RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to Conditions and the prior completion of a Section 106 Agreement to secure the contribution of £2,718 towards secondary school transport costs.”

“(Proposed by Cllr B Holdman and seconded by Cllr S Clist)”

Minutes