Two farm building homes at Beech Nut Farm, Meshaw, South Molton

“The application relates to an agricultural barn located within the countryside at 'Beech Nut Farm' which is approximately 300 metres to the South of Meshaw. The application site is part of a former farmyard. The site is accessed from a rural unclassified highway to the west. To the north of the site is an unauthorised workshop building and kennel, with neighbouring buildings beyond. To the east of the site is a dwelling which has been converted by Class Q.”

“The site is within Flood Zone 1 and is not in an area known for flood risk or drainage issues.”

“Reference Number Proposal Decision Decision Date 61573 PRIOR APPROVAL FOR CHANGE OF USE OF AGRICULTURAL BUILDING TO ONE DWELLING (CLASS Q(A)(B)) at AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS TO THE SOUTH OF BEECH CLOSE, MESHAW, DEVON, EX36 4NN WITHDRA WN 19 September 2016 66313 PRIOR APPROVAL FOR CHANGE OF USE OF ONE AGRICULTURAL BUILDING TO ONE DWELLINGHOUSE (CLASS Q(A)(B)) at AGRICULTURAL BUILDING TO THE SOUTH OF BEECH CLOSE, MESHAW, DEVON, PRIOR APP CHANGE USE APPROVED 17 April 2019”

“(e) Whether the location is impractical or undesirable: The Planning Practice Guidance was updated on the 5th March 2015 and paragraph 109 states that 'Impractical' reflects that the location and siting would 'not be sensible or realistic', and 'undesirable' reflects that it would be 'harmful or objectionable'. It does not apply to the sustainability of the location.”

“Conclusion: The proposal is considered to comply with the provisions of Schedule 2, Part 3, Class Q of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended). The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has been considered as far as it is relevant to the subject matter of the prior approval application.”

“Reply Received: 22/09/2025 SUMMARY OF NATURAL ENGLAND’S ADVICE NO OBJECTION Based on the plans submitted, Natural England considers that the proposed development will not have significant adverse impacts on statutorily protected nature conservation sites or landscapes. Natural England’s generic advice on other natural environment issues is set out at Annex A.”

“Environmental Health Manager Reply Received: 22/09/2025 1 Residential Amenity The proposed dwellings would adjoin a building to the west marked "Barn Retained (Agricultural Storage)" on the proposed elevation plans. The dwellings would also be in close proximity to a sizeable building to the north marked "Neighbouring Barn" on the Proposed Site/Block Plan.”

“One 3 rd party representation received, which seeks to ensure that their own buildings are not restricted by any conditions relating to this development. None of the conditions attached to this development restrict the neighbouring uses.”

“In response to questions from the Committee, the Lead Officer Development Management (KE) advised the following;”

“There was a separate building located adjoining the property. He showed the location of the existing barn which had been converted. • This proposal would be separate to the existing units. • The unauthorized adjoining barn had been rebuilt and was being used for non livestock purposes.”

“RESOLVED (unanimous) that the application be APPROVED as recommended by the Lead Officer Development Management.”