Issue - meetings

To consider application UTT/21/1108/FUL.

The Senior Planning Officer presented an application for the demolition of an existing hay barn and erection of new farmhouse. The application had previously been deferred by the Planning Committee in August 2021 so that a site visit could be conducted, and the agricultural case be examined further.   The site visit had been cancelled at short notice due to circumstances beyond Members’ control.

The application was recommended for refusal.

Members discussed balancing the needs of the farmer against applying the technicality of Planning Law.  They acknowledged that the agricultural process was in place for a reason, whilst also acknowledging that agricultural dwellings did have restrictions on them, such as the applicant not being able to obtain a mortgage and the dwelling not being saleable on the open market.

Officers confirmed that there would not be any scope to impose agricultural conditions on the application and emphasised that it should be considered on its own merits.

Members raised concerns for the following:

·         Approving the application could set a precedent for other landowners to apply to build dwellings in remote locations.

·         If the land moved into new ownership and was not used for agricultural purposes, it would become a private dwelling in a remote location.

·         The application was not in a sustainable location.

Councillor Fairhurst proposed that the application be refused. This was seconded by Councillor Bagnall.

RESOLVED to refuse the application.

L Carpenter (agent) spoke in favour of the application.