Six-flat farmhouse alterations at Properties 1 To 6 Willow Court, Droitwich Spa

What was proposed

The application sought changes to approved plans for six flats, including revised hard landscaping, a larger cycle and bin store, and an extended southern fence.

“A Planning Application was submitted in 2023, reference W/23/01546/FUL, which sought the repairs and alterations to re-establish the building as six flats, including the reconstruction of three C20 single storey extensions with car park to provide 10 spaces, including electric vehicle charging points and cycle storage.”

“The current layout of the building was established in the 1970s when the building was first occupied as 6 flats, the proposed layout was to remain largely the same with three flats at ground floor level, two at first floor and one at the second floor. All flats on the first and second floor are to be accessed via a communal staircase, which was installed in the 1970s. The use of each of the rooms remains broadly as the 1970s arrangement.”

Officer report

The site

Willow Court is a Grade II listed building in a residential estate, with nearby homes, large grounds and land within Flood Zones 2 and 3.

“The site relates to a large, detached building known as Willow Court, (formally Boycott Farm), which is a Grade II Listed Building. It is located within the Westlands residential…”

“The building itself sits in relatively large grounds and is located within the southern part of the plot with residential properties directly abutting the southern boundary and along the north/north eastern boundaries.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions covered stabilisation, listed building works and the conversion into six flats, with the main permission approved in March 2024.

“W/22/01430/FUL. Stabilisation works to the structure of Willow Court Farmhouse to enable safe access for recording, future repair and alterations of the building; to include the removal of the C20th single storey extensions and modern insulation, timber studwork and plasterboard finishes to all timber framed walls. Approved. October 2022.”

“W/23/01546/FUL. Repair and alterations to Willow Court Farmhouse to re-establish the building as six flats; their most recent use. Reconstruction of three C20 single storey extensions. Landscaping to include new car parking, access point and electric car charging. Approved. March 2024.”

Officer report

Trees and drainage

The tree protection information needed improvement, but an acceptable method statement and protection plan could be required; revised drainage details were satisfactory in principle.

“The applicant subsequently submitted an addendum report to the FRA with revised drainage calculation and drainage layout and the South Worcestershire Land Drainage Partnership has commented on the revised FRA and drainage strategy and confirm the details submitted within the technical document, relating to the retaining wall are, in principle, satisfactory.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer outlined the application, and a councillor proposed approval with another councillor seconding it.

Committee discussion

A councillor said the scheme was commendable, reported visiting it and welcomed the inclusion of 1950s photographs in the presentation.

“PC. Councillor E J Kearsey stated that everything about the scheme was to be commended and she had been able to visit the scheme and see the work that was being undertaken and was very happy to propose the application in line with the officer’s recommendation which was seconded by Councillor D B Birch. Councillor Kearsey thanked the Planning Officer for inclusion of the 1950s photographs in the presentation.”

Minutes

The committee decision

The committee resolved to delegate authority to grant planning permission, subject to the listed conditions and any necessary amendments.

“To delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Infrastructure to grant planning permission subject to the planning conditions listed below, allowing for any subsequent amendments to the planning conditions as required by the Director of Planning and Infrastructure.”

Minutes