Planning Officer Report

{{table:172067}} groups and be appropriate in terms of scale, materials, colour, siting and form to ensure that all new developments are sympathetic to the landscape and built environment of which they will form a part. Only in exceptional circumstances will buildings be permitted in exposed or isolated areas or close to public highways and in all such cases will be subject to appropriate landscaping. The nature and materials of construction must also be appropriate to the purposes for which it is intended. Where new agricultural buildings are proposed next to or close to existing residential properties, care must be taken to ensure that there is no unacceptable adverse impact through any activity, although it must be borne in mind that many farming activities require buildings which are best sited, in landscape terms, close to existing building groups in the rural landscape.' ### Planning History The site has been the subject of several previously submitted planning applications considered material to this proposal: PA 98/00411/B sought permission for the erection of stabling and storage block. This was refused at appeal 4th March 1999. PA 99/01440/B sought permission for the erection of a stable building. This was permitted on review 9th May 2000 PA 01/00488/B sought permission for the erection of dog kennels. This was permitted on review 8th November 2001. ### The Proposal This proposal seeks permission for the erection of an agricultural building. This is to be located to the south of the existing stable block, separated by the existing mature trees. The proposed building will sit lower than the adjacent lane with the building projecting 2 m higher than the lane level. The existing access to the building cluster would be used. To the south of the proposed building a planting area is proposed to limit the impact of the development. The applicant has provided a letter setting out the use of the proposed building which indicates that the building is to be used for the storage of farm machinery including a hedge cutter, topper, tractor and hay. This machinery is currently stored in the stable block which the applicant considers to be a fire hazard. The proposed building is to measure approximately 9 m by 13.5 m giving a floor area of 121.5 m². The height is shown to be approximately 4.5 m. The proposed materials for the walls of the building are to be blockwork which from 2 m up will be clad in horizontal timber. The roof is to be finished in green 'plastisol' sheeting on a steel frame. To the west elevation is to be a set of double doors. A single door is to be located on the north elevation and on the east elevation. There are no windows on the proposed building. ### Representations The Department of Transport Highways Division do not oppose this application. Patrick Parish Commissioners have no comment to make with regard to this proposal. We have received no privately written representations in relation to this application. ### Assessment As far as Environmental Policy 15 is concerned, the proposal would appear to satisfy the criteria in that the development is to be sited in what is considered to be a location that is as close as is practically possible to existing building groups. The proposed building will therefore not appear to be exposed, its impact being suitably mitigated by the surrounding buildings and trees. One area of concern relates to the exposed southern elevation of the proposed building. The proposed planting area to the south of the building will play an important role in ensuring that this visual impact is lessened. The scale, materials, colour, siting and form of the building are also considered to be sympathetic to the landscape and built environment of which they will form a part. It is considered that the proposed siting will not result in any unacceptable adverse impacts to the existing dwelling. There are also no anticipated adverse impacts to any neighbouring properties including the nearest dwelling, 'Mansfield' situated approximately 80 m from the proposal site. It is considered that provided that the landscape element of the proposal is successful in its role of reducing the visibility of the development there will be no negative impact as a result of this development. ### Recommendation It is recommended that this proposal is permitted. ### Party Status It is considered that the following parties, who submitted comments, accord with the requirements of Planning Circular 1/06 and are therefore, afforded interested party status: The Department of Transport Highways Division Patrick Parish Commissioners ### Recommendation Recommended Decision: Permitted Date of Recommendation: 22.08.2007

Conditions and Notes for Approval / Reasons and Notes for Refusal

C : Conditions for approval N : Notes attached to conditions R : Reasons for refusal

• : Notes attached to refusals

C 1. The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.

C 2. The existing trees to the north and east of the proposed building must be retained as part of this development

C 3. No development may commence until there has been approved by the Planning Authority a scheme of landscaping which includes indications of all existing trees and hedges within the site, details of

any to be retained together with measures for their protection during the course of construction and details of the species and numbers of trees to be planted in the planting area to the south of the proposed development.

Planting up of the planting area indicated to the south of the proposed development must be carried out in the first planting and seeding seasons following the completion of the development. Any trees or plants which within a period of five years from the completion of the development die, are removed, or become seriously damaged or diseased must be replaced in the next planting season with others of a similar size and species.

C 4. This permission relates to the plan 07/318/40 submitted and date stamped 15th June 2007 and the letter from the applicant received and date stamped 22nd June 2007.

I confirm that this decision accords with Government Circular Nos 44/05 (Delegation of Functions to Director of Planning and Building Control) and 47/05 (Delegation of Functions to Senior Planning Officer)

Decision Made : Permitted Date : 10/9/07

Signed : M. I. McCauley Director of Planning and Building Control