Barn annexe at West Farmhouse Crabstack, King's Meaburn, Penrith
Summary of planning committee decision
Deferred by Westmorland And Furness Eden Local Area Planning Committee on 6 May 2026.
What was proposed
The application sought listed building consent to convert an attached barn into ancillary accommodation, with extensions, new openings, glazing and other alterations.
“The application seeks Listed Building Consent for the conversion of an existing attached barn (Barn 1) to form ancillary residential accommodation in association with West Farmhouse, together with the erection of extensions and associated alterations.”
“The proposal involves the change of use of Barn 1, which is physically attached to the main farmhouse, to provide additional living accommodation. The annexe would remain connected to the host dwelling and is described within the submission as ancillary accommodation rather than a separate planning unit.”
Officer report
Earlier approved works
Two earlier applications for converting attached agricultural buildings into additional living accommodation were approved with conditions in June 2014.
“Application Ref: 14/0185 Proposal: Listed building consent for the works required to enable the conversion of attached pigsty & barn to provide additional living accommodation, erection of replacement extension, internal alterations & refurbishment & installation of solar panels to south facing roof slope of the main house. Decision: Approved with Conditions Decision Date: 25/06/2014”
“Application Ref: 14/0184 Proposal: Conversion of attached barn and pigsty to provide additional living accommodation, erection of replacement extension, erection of outbuilding and installation of ground mounted solar array. Decision: Approved with Conditions Decision Date: 26/06/2014”
Officer report
Why officers recommended refusal
Officers considered that the scale, form, materials and domestic appearance would harm the listed building, with no sufficient public benefit to outweigh that harm.
“The proposal seeks to convert and extend a traditional agricultural building forming part of a Grade II listed farmstead to provide ancillary residential accommodation. Whilst the principle of bringing the building into use is acknowledged, the proposed works introduce a substantial level of extension and alteration which would significantly change the form, materials and appearance of the building.”
“The justification provided, relating to the provision of ancillary accommodation, is acknowledged; however, this is considered to represent a private benefit and does not amount to a public benefit sufficient to outweigh the identified harm. Furthermore, it…”
Officer report
Consultation responses
The conservation officer maintained an objection because the design, glazing, materials and missing construction details would harm the building’s agricultural character and historic fabric.
“Revision A Revision A sought to respond to these concerns through a number of design changes. These included a reduction in glazing within the side extension, the replacement of the proposed sandstone chimney stack with a flue, and the introduction of timber cladding to the side and rear extensions in an attempt to differentiate new development from the historic fabric.”
“Final Comment – Rev C Following re-consultation, the Conservation Officer has raised an objection to the proposed development. It is advised that the building forms part of a Grade II listed farmstead and contributes to its overall significance through its traditional agricultural character and form.”
Officer report
Other views received
The parish council supported the application, while a planning consultancy supported the related annexe proposal and suggested conditions preventing severance or independent occupation.
“Neighbour notifications were issued on 27 August 2025. A site notice was displayed on 10 September 2025 in accordance with the Council’s procedures. The National Annexe Planning Consultancy (NAPC) supports application 2025/1427/FPA for the change of use and extension of a barn to form an ancillary residential annexe at West Farmhouse.”
Officer report
The committee’s decision
The committee deferred the application for a site visit after a councillor proposed deferral and another councillor seconded it.
“The Committee noted the connection of this item to the previous application, which had been deferred for a site visit.”
“Councillor M Robinson proposed, and Councillor L Baker seconded, the application be deferred for a site visit.”
Minutes
Sources
- Westmorland And Furness Eden Local Area Planning Committee minutes, 6 May 2026
- Agenda and papers (council website)
Source: Plota analysis of Westmorland And Furness's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.
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- Council
- Westmorland And Furness
- Date
- Wednesday 6 May 2026
- Recommendation
- Officers recommended refusal
- Committee decided
- Deferred
- Minutes
- The council's minutes
- Meeting
- Agenda and papers (council website)
- Application
- The application (council website)
- All decisions
- Westmorland And Furness committee decisions →
This committee's year
16 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 2 against officer advice.
Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.