Listed farmhouse alterations at Church Farm Creamery Lane Parwich

What was proposed

The application proposed conservation repairs, a glazed extension, solar panels, an air source heat pump, new outbuildings and garage alterations.

“FULL PLANNING APPLICATION – CONSERVATION REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS TO CHURCH FARM. NEW ATTACHED GREENHOUSE ON THE EAST ELEVATION TO REPLACE MODERN OUTBUILDINGS. INTEGRATION OF SOLAR PANELS AND AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP. NEW OUTBUILDINGS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SEPARATE GARAGE - (NP/DDD/1124/1291) SC”

“The proposals consist of a glazed extension in the form of a glasshouse/greenhouse to be erected on the east gable elevation of the dwelling, erection of a stone outbuilding to incorporate tool shed and oil tank, the insertion of solar panels to the roof of the main house, installation of an air source heat pump to the rear of the dwelling, re-roofing of the existing garage.”

Officer report

The site

Church Farm is a Grade II listed detached farmhouse in the village conservation area, with a garage, outbuilding and nearby homes.

“Church Farm is a detached grade II listed building, sited towards the western edge of Parwich and within the Conservation Area of the village. The site consists of an C18 farmhouse with C19 extensions to the side and rear and a detached garage and small outbuilding.”

“Pedestrian and vehicular access is directly from the public highway. A Public Right of Way (PRoW) runs parallel with the property on its northern boundary. The nearest residential dwellings are ‘Court House’ adjacent to the eastern boundary of the property and ‘Spenage’ which is sited around 20m to the north.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

A 2019 enforcement case concerning a rebuilt boundary wall was satisfactory when inspected, and a 2006 listed building application was withdrawn.

“2019 – Enforcement case Ref: 19/0148 - Dismantling of southern boundary wall and rebuilt like for like. Inspected Feb 2025, works found to be satisfactory.”

“2006 - Withdrawn LBC application for the installation of a satellite dish.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended refusal

Officers found the glasshouse, toolshed, oil tank and heat pump visually intrusive, harmful to heritage significance, and not outweighed by public benefits.

“By virtue of their siting and design, the glasshouse and the toolshed, oil tank and air-source heat pump both in their own right and cumulatively, fail to reflect and conserve the traditional character and appearance of the host property and its setting and would be deemed visually intrusive additions. The application therefore conflicts with Development Plan Polices GSP3, L3, DMC3, DMH7 & DMH8 in these respects.”

“The inappropriate, incongruous style of the glasshouse extension to the historic former farmhouse and the visual clutter associated with the toolshed, oil tank and air-source heat pump would cause undue harm to the overall character, appearance and heritage significance of the listed building and the setting of the Parwich Conservation Area. Insufficient public benefits have been identified that would outweigh this harm.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Highway Authority had no objection, the parish council supported the approach, and heritage officers identified less than substantial harm unlikely to be outweighed.

“Parish Council - “...The Council supported the application’s sensitive treatment of historic features and measures to reduce the building’s environmental impact. The high quality of the plans submitted was appreciated.”

“PDNPA Cultural Heritage – “...Overall, whilst many of the proposals would have a neutral or positive impact on the significance of the house, some of the proposals would cause less than substantial harm that is unlikely to be outweighed by any public benefits” – (See Heritage section of report below).”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer presented the report, and the agent spoke under the public participation scheme.

What members discussed

Members discussed internal changes, the greenhouse’s suitability, removing outhouses, the heating systems and possible approval conditions.

“Some Members had visited the site in November 2025.”

“The re-instatement of the internal wall and relocation of the kitchen. • The greenhouse and how appropriate the design is for an 18 th century farmhouse. • It was felt that it would be an enhancement to the property to remove all of the existing outhouses. • There was clarification provided as to why an oil tank and air-source heat pump was necessary. • Potential conditions were discussed should the committee be minded to approve this application.”

Minutes

The committee vote

A motion to approve contrary to the officer recommendation was proposed, seconded, put to the vote and carried.

“A motion to approve the application, contrary to officer recommendation, with the conditions detailed below, was proposed, seconded, put to the vote and carried.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved subject to conditions covering plans, materials, heritage details, ecology, archaeology and climate measures.

“That the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:”

“In accordance with specified approved/amended plans…”

Minutes

Approval conditions

Conditions required approved details for the glasshouse, solar panels, garage roof and archaeology, alongside ecological mitigation and enhancement measures.

“Method of fixing and mounting of the Solar panels to be submitted, approved and implemented…”

“Full details of the joint work and fixing method of the glasshouse to the gable elevation of the dwelling to be submitted, approved and implemented…”

Minutes