Barn conversion at Building east of Hamilton, Long Wittenham

Converting a barn into a home

The application sought to convert an existing barn into a two-bedroom dwelling, with a garden, driveway and parking area, near a conservation area.

“Re-use of existing barn as dwelling with garden and parking area with associated works. (As amended by plan received 13 October 2025.)”

“The planning officer introduced the application, explaining that it sought planning permission for the conversion of an existing barn into a two-bedroom dwelling, together with the formation of a garden, driveway and parking area. The barn was located adjacent to a 17th-century barn previously converted into two dwellings. The site lay to the east of these properties, on land classified as agricultural, and adjacent to the Long Wittenham Conservation Area.”

Minutes

A simple timber barn

The existing timber barn with a metal roof would be reclad in timber with a slate roof, keeping openings limited so it still looked rural.

“The existing barn was a simple, single-storey timber structure with a metal sheet roof. The proposed conversion would upgrade the building with new timber cladding and a slate roof. Openings would be limited to avoid creating an overly domestic appearance, ensuring that the rural origins of the structure remained legible.”

Minutes

Policy allowed conversion outside the village

The site lay outside the village's built-up boundary, but neighbourhood and local plan policy allowed conversion of existing buildings as an exception in the countryside.

“Members were informed that the Long Wittenham Neighbourhood Plan had been created and formed part of the development plan. The site lay just outside the village’s built-up boundary. Under Policy LW4, development outside this boundary would only be supported where appropriate to a countryside location and consistent with development plan policies. Officers noted that the policy specifically allowed for the conversion of existing buildings as an exception.”

Minutes

Officers recommended approval

Officers concluded the conversion was acceptable in principle, made good use of the existing structure, enhanced rural character, and recommended approval subject to conditions.

“Officers concluded that the conversion was acceptable in principle under both the neighbourhood plan and the local plan. The development made effective use of an existing structure, provided a higher-quality finish, and was considered to enhance the rural character of the area. It was therefore recommended that application be approved, subject to the conditions set out in the report.”

Minutes

Parish council, a neighbour and the agent spoke

A councillor spoke for the parish council, a neighbour spoke in objection, and the agent spoke in support of the application.

Members queried structure and conditions

Members queried the landscape designation and structural work needed, concluding the scheme complied with policy and caused no overriding harm despite being close to neighbours.

“Members queried whether the site lay within a national landscape designation; officers confirmed that it did not.”

“Members noted that the scheme complied with the relevant planning policies, involved the re-use of an existing rural building and presented no overriding harm.”

Minutes

Permission granted on a vote

A motion to grant planning permission was carried when put to the vote.

“A motion, moved and seconded to grant planning permission for application P25/S1636/FUL, was carried on being put to the vote.”

Minutes

Approved with multiple conditions

The application was approved subject to conditions including drainage, materials, parking, lighting, cycle parking, an electric charging point and withdrawal of permitted development rights.

“RESOLVED: to approve planning application P25/S1636/FUL subject to the following conditions: Standard conditions: Commencement 3 years – Full Planning Permission 2. Approved plans * Pre-commencement conditions: Surface water drainage works (details required) 5. Foul drainage works (details required) 6. Biodiversity Enhancements (details required) Prior to above slab level conditions: Schedule of Materials to be submitted 7. New vehicular access 8.”

Minutes