One self-build dwelling at High Bank Farm Cleasby Road, Stapleton, Darlington

What was proposed

The application sought permission for one self-build or custom-build dwelling and changing part of the site from paddock to domestic use.

“ZD25/00383/FULL - Full Planning Permission for construction of 1no. dwelling and change of use for part of the site from paddock to domestic at High Bank Farm, Cleasby Road, Stapleton, Darlington, North Yorkshire, DL2 2QE on behalf of Mr and [name withheld].”

“Considered – The Assistant Director Planning – Community Development Services sought determination of an application for planning permission for the construction of a self/custom-build dwelling and associated change of use of land. The application was recommended for refusal by officers on the grounds that it represented an isolated dwelling in the countryside and conflicted with local and national planning policy.”

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The site and planning context

Officers considered the site outside development limits and in open countryside, while several members viewed it as part of an established development cluster.

“However, officers maintained that the site remained outside development limits and did not satisfy policy tests for residential development in the countryside. In accordance with public speaking arrangements at planning committees, the following speaker addressed the Committee: Supporting the application: Beverly Booth – agent for the applicant.”

“OFFICIAL settlement then it was deemed to be open countryside and that visual aspects such as limited trees and enclosures were also relevant. However, several Members considered that the site formed part of an established cluster of development and was not genuinely isolated in the way envisaged by national planning guidance.”

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Who spoke

The agent for the applicant addressed the committee in support of the proposal.

The decision

The committee was minded to grant permission contrary to officers, subject to securing self-build status and drafting appropriate conditions.

“The Decision That the Committee be MINDED TO GRANT planning permission, contrary to the officer recommendation, subject to the completion of a unilateral undertaking securing the self- build status of the dwelling and the drafting of appropriate planning conditions. Authority was delegated to the Head of Development Management in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair. Reasons: 1. The proposal was not isolated and did not consider it to be in the open countryside. 2.”

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