One dwelling with annexe at Kennels Farm, May Lodge Drive, Rufford

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing two agricultural buildings and building one dwelling with a one-bedroom annexe, using concrete and vertical profiled cladding.

“The Proposal 3.1 The application seeks permission for the demolition of existing agricultural buildings on the application site and the erection of a single dwelling house with ancillary accommodation in the form of a one-bed annexe. The main portion of the proposed dwelling would be single storey, and there would be a two storey element near the northeastern boundary of the application site.”

Officer report

The site

The site lies east of Rufford within a Grade II listed park and garden, with woodland, open fields, private access roads and a nearby footpath.

“These buildings benefit from a prior approval, which was granted in March 2024 under reference number 23/02276/CPRIOR, for the creation of 5 no. of dwellinghouses including demolition works. The application site is not served by any public highway although there is a public right of way (footpath) running in an east-west direction to the south of the application site. The application site is only accessible via private single track roads.”

“The application site is located within the grounds of Rufford Abbey Park and Garden, which is Grade II listed (List Entry Number 1001085). There is a Scheduled Monument (List Entry Number 1011013) approx. 880m to the northwest of the application site. There are also a number of a listed buildings to this direction including the Grade I listed Rufford Abbey (List Entry Number 1302352). Immediately to the north and west of the application site is a woodland.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

An extant 2024 prior approval allows five homes through conversion of the agricultural buildings, but that scheme has not been implemented.

“Relevant Planning History 2.1. Reference number Proposal Decision Date of decision 23/02276/CPRIOR Application to determine if prior approval is required for change of use of existing (former) agricultural building to create 5no. dwellinghouses (resubmission of 23/00383/CPRIOR) Prior Approval Required and Granted – Not implemented however is extant.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support, and members also received a planning officer presentation with photographs and plans.

What members discussed

Members discussed the site’s location, the fallback position and the merits of the design, and considered the development exceptional.

“Members discussed the location of the site, the fallback position and the merits of the design scheme. Members considered this an exceptional development.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

Members unanimously approved planning permission subject to the conditions in the report.

“AGREED (unanimously) that Planning Permission be approved subject to the conditions contained within the report.”

Minutes