SF Planning worked closely with Stanley Partnership, and Shipton Mill to provide justification for a rural workers dwelling.  Although planning policies do allow for isolated rural workers dwellings as an exception to normal planning criteria, this type of dwelling is more typically associated with farms or equestrian establishments. However, in this instance, the new dwelling was for a Head Miller at a flour mill.

Traditional flour milling is a highly specialist skill and one where, in the case of Shipton Mill, there were site specific factors associated with needing an on-site presence.

The proposed site is a gradual sloping grass opening, surrounded with trees and shrubs in a quiet part of the listed mill complex.

The process involved gaining a full understanding of how the mill operates and interviewing the applicant with regard to all the circumstances which could have arisen during the application process.  For this type of application to be a success there has to be a functional need for the dwelling and no other reasonably available dwellings in the locality. Cotswold District Council employed an independent consultant to review our submission, and the justification was found to be sound with no further queries.

This was an excellent outcome for a fantastic business which will now be able to continue the production of flour for many years to come.

Should you need assistance with a rural workers dwelling or if you have any other planning needs, please do not hesitate to contact us: 01242 231575 or email info@sfplanning.co.uk