Farm access track at Toll House Farm Farm Land Adjacent To Mill House, Folkingham

What was proposed

The application sought permission for a new access track across agricultural land to a barn previously approved for tool and machine storage.

“S25/2443 Proposal: New farm access track across field to new barn. Location: Toll House Farm, Farm Land Adjacent To Mill House, Bourne Road, Folkingham, NG34 0HA Applicant: [the applicant]: Full Planning Permission Reason for Referral to Committee: Called in by Councillor Turner due to harm to heritage Key Issues: Impact on the heritage assets Impact on landscape character…”

“The proposal seeks planning permission for the installation of an access track to the barn previously approved under prior approval application S25/0768. The works have commenced.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is agricultural land south of Folkingham, accessed from Bourne Road, near the listed Toll House and Millfield Farm.

“The site is a parcel of agricultural land located to the south of the village of Folkingham. It is accessed on the east side onto Bourne Road. To the east of the site is the grade II listed Toll House and Millfield Farm.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions and works

The barn was approved under prior approval, the field entrance was approved in 2020, and works on the track had commenced.

“S25/0768 - Prior Approval for Farm Barn for tool and machine storage – Details not required (Approved) 3.2 S20/1338 - Construction of a new vehicle field entrance – Approved Conditionally…”

Officer report

Why officers supported approval

Officers considered the track appropriate for the agricultural site, with no unacceptable effects on landscape character, heritage assets, neighbours, traffic or safety.

“Taking the above into account, the proposal is considered to be in keeping with the rural agricultural nature of the site and its surroundings, in accordance with SKDC Local Plan Policy DE1 and NPPF Section 12 in this regard. Impact on heritage assets 7.9 It is noted that concern was raised by neighbours regarding the potential impact the proposal would have on heritage assets, particularly the views from the Folkingham Conservation Area.”

“Visually it has the character of a typical rural track serving a farm, which is considered to be in keeping with the character of Folkingham and the surrounding farmland. Following discussion with the SKDC Conservation Officer, no objections to the proposal were raised in terms of impact on the setting and outlook of the Folkingham Conservation Area.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The district ward councillor said the county councillor, parish council and 11 objectors wanted an alternative solution and viewed the application as evasive.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed the track’s width, its prior construction, visibility, possible width reduction and replacement hedging at the entrance.

“Noting that the track had already been installed, the speaker queried whether the width of the track was excessive for the stated purpose. A Member suggested that the width of the track had been to allow for wider trailers and transporting equipment. During questions to officers and debate, Members commented on the following:”

“It was confirmed that the barn had been used for agricultural uses only. • A Member expressed frustration that the individual had not sought planning permission before building the track. • It was noted that the track could be seen from Folkingham market square. • It was queried whether the applicant had offered to reduce the width of the track in order to secure planning permission.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee agreed to grant planning permission subject to approved plans, archaeological investigation and approved soft landscaping details.

“It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to GRANT planning permission, subject to conditions:”

“Approved Plans 1 The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following list of approved plans: i. TOLL HOUSE FARM - FARM TRACK LAYOUT 001 – received 09/02/26 ii. TOLL HOUSE FARM - FARM TRACK LAYOUT 002 - received 09/02/26 iii. LOCATION PLAN – received 18/12/25 Unless otherwise required by another condition of this consent. Reason: To define the permission and for the avoidance of doubt. During Building Works 2.”

Minutes