Building design changes at Lucys Farm Barns, Harpsden Road, Harpsden

Changing the approved design

The application sought to vary the approved plans for three new dwellings, allowing external and internal alterations after the building had already been substantially built.

“Variation of Condition 2 (approved plans) for Planning Application P24/S0322/FUL (Demolition of existing farmyard buildings and erection of a single building comprising three dwellings (1 x three bedroom and 2 x four bedroom) with associated off-street parking and amenity space provision. Alterations to existing vehicular access arrangements) - to allow for external and internal alterations to the approved building/dwellings.”

“The application sought to vary previously approved plans for the demolition of existing farmyard buildings and the erection of a single building comprising three dwellings. Development had commenced earlier in the year, and the building was already substantially complete.”

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Minor changes to materials

The changes mainly increased brickwork in place of timber cladding, removed three ground-floor windows, added three roof lights, and installed a flue, without altering the building's size.

“The proposal aimed to regularise several minor changes to the external appearance of the approved building. Officers confirmed that no changes were proposed to the size or siting of the building, nor to the amount of internal living accommodation provided.”

“The main change was an increase in the amount of brickwork used in place of timber cladding on the front and side elevations. Additional changes included the removal of three ground-floor windows, the addition of three first-floor roof lights on the side elevations, and the installation of a flue on the front elevation.”

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Officers recommended approval

Officers found the changes minor, keeping a barn-like appearance sympathetic to the rural area, and recommended approval despite the parish council's concerns about the brickwork.

“Officers acknowledged the Parish Council’s concerns regarding the change in materials and the increased visibility of brickwork. They noted that while the prominence of brick…”

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Parish council and the agent spoke

A councillor spoke for Harpsden Parish Council and the applicant's agent spoke in support of the application.

Members praised the finished building

Members queried the brick pillars, praised the quality and barn-like character of the finished building, and accepted the retrospective changes did not undermine the original approval.

“Members expressed positive views about the quality of the development and the detailing of the brickwork. It was noted that the scheme retained a barn-like character and that brick-built barns were historically common in the area. Members considered the changes to be minor and felt that the overall design was sympathetic to the rural setting.”

“The challenges posed by retrospective applications were noted, acknowledging that while this situation was not ideal, the completed building was of high quality, and the changes did not undermine the integrity of the original approval.”

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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/S2661/S73, was carried on being put to the vote.”

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Approved with multiple conditions

The application was approved subject to conditions covering materials, drainage, ecology, lighting, parking and withdrawal of permitted development rights.

“RESOLVED: To grant planning permission for application P25/S2661/S73, subject to the following conditions:”

“Planning Permission: Development in accordance with the approved plans 2. Materials as on plan 3. Tree protection (implementation as approved) 4. Landscaping (hardsurfacing and boundary treatment prior to occupation 5. Landscape and Ecology Management Plan (LEMP) prior to occupation 6. Biodiversity and ecological enhancement features 7. External Lighting (specific – protected species) 8. Surface water drainage (details required) 9.”

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