Stable-to-home conversion at Stable Building At Greenhill Lane, Rudgeway

Earlier permissions and enforcement

The land has had equestrian use for many years, and the existing stables were approved in 2023 and found to have been built lawfully.

“P23/01671/F (approved 27/07/2023): Demolition of 2no. existing stable buildings and erection of 1no. stable building with associated works (Amendment to previously approved scheme P23/00368/F).”

“P23/00368/F (approved 21/04/2023): Demolition of 2no. existing stable buildings and erection of 1no. stable building with associated works.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the conversion appropriate in the Green Belt and acceptable in design, heritage, residential amenity, transport and ecology terms, subject to conditions.

“No external changes are proposed to the footprint of the building and so there would be no impact on openness in that respect. The use of the site for residential purposes would result in some increase in paraphernalia. However, in its current context, the lawful equestrian use could also result in the presence of paraphernalia/clutter within the site.”

“The proposals concern the conversion of an existing building (stable), which was considered previously in heritage terms and no harm was found to the setting of Lower Hazel Farm or the then locally listed Quaker Buriel Ground (now grade II). As set out, there are no external changes proposed to the building in terms of footprint or form/massing (i.e., no extension is proposed).”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The parish council, the agent, [name withheld], a local resident, the ward councillor and Councillor Tony Williams addressed the committee.

What members considered

Members considered the Green Belt, bridleway movements, heritage effects, possible precedent and the proposed planting and planning controls.

“Greenhill Lane is a public bridleway but is also an established private access road serving both the site and appearing to provide access via a gate to land to the south. It provides existing vehicular access to the site which would include daily movements in the AM and PM plus additional deliveries and ad- hoc visits in association with the lawful equestrian use.”

“Councillor Tony Williams spoke against the application and raised concern that the application was inappropriate development in the Green Belt and would be harmful to the openness, including the use, access to the bridleway, and proximity to a heritage asset. Concern was also raised that the application would set precedent for future applications.”

Minutes