Two barn conversions at Barns rear of 28 Woodhouse Lane, Horsehay

What was proposed

The application sought full permission to convert two redundant barns into two dwellings, with living accommodation, bedrooms, bathrooms and office or store space.

“Online planning file: https://secure.telford.gov.uk/planning/pa- applicationsummary.aspx?applicationnumber=TWC/2024/0697 1.0 SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION 1.1 It is recommended that DELEGATED AUTHORITY be granted to the Development Management Service Delivery Manager to GRANT FULL PLANNING PERMISSION subject to conditions and informatives. SITE AND SURROUNDINGS 2.1. The application site is Barns rear of 28 Woodhouse Lane, Horsehay.”

“The site is located approximately 3 miles south-west of Telford Town Centre and public amenity areas, schools and other facilities are available nearby to the application site. APPLICATION DETAILS 3.1. This application seeks full planning permission for the conversion of 2no. barns to 2no. dwellings. The ‘large barn’ will be made up of a Kitchen / Dining Room and Living Room at ground floor and 1no. Bedroom, 1no. Bathroom and an Office / Store at first floor.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the scheme sustainable, appropriately designed and proportionate, with adequate amenity space, parking and no significant harm to neighbours or highways.

“Policy BE1 of the Telford & Wrekin Local Plan states that the Council will support development which respects and responds positively to its context and enhances the quality of the local built and natural environment. As demonstrated on the Proposed Site Plan, Officers are satisfied that the application site is large enough to accommodate the proposed conversion to 2no. dwellings, whilst providing an adequate level of private amenity space and off road parking.”

Officer report

Consultees and residents

The parish council and residents objected over highways, parking, privacy, drainage, flooding, structural stability, construction impacts and wildlife, while technical consultees supported the scheme subject to conditions.

“Local Highways Authority – Support subject to conditions: The latest drawings have amended the parking layout, by removing the parking bay to the front of the Small Barn replacing it with a bin storage area for use of the existing dwellings converted under TWC/2022/0718 and the proposed barn conversions.”

“Drainage – Support subject to conditions 6.6 Ecology – Support subject to conditions 6.7 Shropshire Fire Service – Comment – Fire safety informative 7.0 SUMMARY OF PUBLIC RESPONSE 7.1 A full consultation exercise has been undertaken and twenty letters of representation have been received, which are available in full on the planning file, but key points have been summarised as follows: • Proposal would lead to overlooking / loss or privacy.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A parish council representative spoke against the application, while the applicant’s agent spoke in favour and highlighted technical support, parking and limited highway effects.

What members debated

Members discussed sustainability, previous refusal reasons, footing excavation, traffic controls, visibility, accident data and existing access use.

“During the debate some Members considered that the application aligned perfectly to sustainability by using existing structures to repurpose the barns. The application did not affect the countryside and supported the Council’s Housing Plan. It was felt that most of the objections had been dealt with and that the application would not present any more difficulties than when the buildings were formerly used as a shop and post office.”

“The Highways Officer explained to Members that on street parking could create traffic issues but this was not an impact due to the amount of trips from the existing and proposed developments. It was suggested that a “H” bar could be introduced by number 29 which would allow a measure of protection. In relation to double yellow lines or a TRO, it was likely that a TRO would restrict on street parking for adjacent residents and was not recommended.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee voted by a majority or unanimously to grant delegated authority for full planning permission.

“On being put to the vote it was, by a majority/unanimously:”

“RESOLVED – that delegated authority be granted to the Development Management Service Delivery to grant full planning permission subject to the following:”

Minutes