Agenda item

Demolition of timber frame and replace with steel frame under corrugated iron single pitched roof with recycled corrugated iron and timber boarding side cladding for the storage of agricultural machinery used in conjunction with the existing livestock farm

The Committee considered a report of the Principal Planning Officer which sought approval for the demolition of a timber frame to be replaced with steel frame under corrugated iron and timber boarding side cladding for the storage of agricultural machinery used in conjunction with the existing livestock farm (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Chair welcomed Mr A Barrass, Applicant, who was in attendance to speak in support of the application.

Mr Barrass explained that he had grown up on the farm, which had been in his family for 3 generations. The current store was redundant and partially collapsed and the proposed design was subservient to the existing building range following advice received from Planning Officers. The design furthermore retained the agricultural character of the landscape and no alternative sites were available for its siting which would not further impact on the AONB. This design was sympathetic to the AONB and minimised the impact on such.

He further noted that neighbouring farms had recent new farm buildings in the AONB area all of which had been approved.

In addition, he was pleased to note that there had been no objections from the public and Muggleswick Parish Council were in support of the application. He therefore respectfully asked the committee to consider approving the family farm building, noting that as applicants they had listened to and addressed concerns raised by the Planning Officer. 

Councillor Brown asked whether there was any risk of erosion from Horsleyhope Burn. In response the applicant advised that as a family they had always worked to protect the Byre (a non-protected-asset) and was not aware that the Burn had come anywhere near close to flooding in 38 years.

Councillor Watson added that in his opinion the new build store would improve the visual appearance of the area and noted that Muggleswick also supported the application.

Councillor Bainbridge asked how close the neighbouring buildings were that the applicant had referred to. It was noted that Spring Well Farm was within proximity to the application site.

Councillor Marshall asked whether there had been any feedback from the AONB since the publication of the report. The Principal Planning Officer advised that no comments had been received but landscape colleagues did have a close relationship with them, and their comments were included within the report.

The Principal Planning Officer went on to explain that the location of the site was very important with the current collection of buildings in situ being pleasing and something which should be protected, however appreciated that this was a very finely balanced decision and hence why so many discussions with the applicant had been undertaken.

Councillor Quinn asked whether the applicant could advise what would happen if the application could not be approved. Mr Barrass explained that it would likely result in the need for a shipping container to be placed on site.

Councillor Brown accepted that this was a difficult decision to make when bearing in mind the farmers livelihood and other factors, however felt that on balance approval outweighed any reasons for refusal.

Councillor Marshall commented that whilst he felt uncomfortable taking the opposing view to officers, he felt that there must be a way that the application could be approved under material considerations relating to rural business and economy and that in this instance common sense must prevail.

As a point of order C Cuskin, Solicitor advised that the council and its planning committees had a statutory duty when considering applications with the AONB to ensure that any application approved preserved and enhanced the area and Members would need to feel comfortable that the application met this test.

Councillor Watson noted that this was a matter of opinion and judgement and therefore moved that the application be approved. Councillor Currah seconded the proposal and following a vote being take it was:

Resolved:

That the application be approved subject to conditions being agreed in consultation with the Principal Planning Officer and Chair of the Planning Committee.