Self-build dwelling at The Barn At Wierton Hill Farm, Boughton Monchelsea

“APPLICATION: Change of use of land and erection of self build residential dwelling with associated works. Demolition of existing agricultural barn and existing annexe.”

“The application site (some 0.47ha in area) is located on the western side of Wierton Hill, with the existing dwelling and agricultural barn set back more than 155m from the road. The existing dwelling is referred to as an ‘Eco-house’, comprising timber sheds, a yurt, and associated vegetable gardens and informal parking.”

“RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY ● 25/501264 – LDC (existing) for change of use of land and siting a mobile home used as residential dwelling with associated amenity curtilage - Approved…”

“25/500403 - Pre-App: Replacement dwelling…”

“The proposal does not accord with Local Plan Review policy LPRSP9, in that there are no exception policies for the proposed dwelling in this unsustainable location. However, on this occasion it is a strong material planning consideration that there is already a lawful dwelling on the application site; and the existing barn on the site has extant prior approval to be converted to a dwelling.”

“The proposed development is also not considered to result in significant harm to the character and appearance of the area; and it is also deemed acceptable in all other material planning respects. Therefore, although contrary to the spatial strategy set out in the Local Plan Review (i.e. the site is within the countryside), the test of significant harm needs to be applied and it does not fail this test.”

“LOCAL REPRESENTATIONS: No representations received.”

“Proposal will harm character and appearance of this rural location, with siting, mass, scale and domestic design of proposal failing to maintain or enhance local distinctiveness including in relation to landscape, visual amenity and existing sporadic pattern of development. Urbanising impact will be increased by additional associated domestic paraphernalia generated by dwelling. There are no benefits that would outweigh harm identified.”

“That permission be granted subject to the conditions and informative set out in the report.”

“That the Head of Planning and Economic Development be given delegated powers to be able to settle or amend any necessary planning conditions and/or informatives in line with the matters set out in the recommendation and as resolved by the Planning Committee.”