The application process for this barn conversion in Cotswold District has been ongoing since 2021. We’re pleased to report that a planning application has now been approved.
Our client sought planning permission to convert a modern closed barn into a three-bedroom family home for themselves. The site is situated in a small village in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The initial application faced a number of challenges from local officers including transport and access concerns, and visual impact on the AONB. Subsequently, the Highway Authority recommended the scheme’s refusal.
While confident that scheme fell well within all relevant planning policies, we agreed an approach with our client whereby the original application would be withdrawn, and a revised one submitted in its place.
This strategy allowed us to consult with third party landscape and transport experts before an amended scheme was proposed.
Addressing Landscape Concerns
Before the new scheme was submitted, a landscape and visual appraisal was undertaken by a chartered landscape architect. The subsequent report determined that there would be a minor / moderate impact overall on the character of the surrounding landscape.
Suggested mitigation measures were taken into account in the new submission. New tree planting was added to the landscape plans, along with new native species hedgerow. In addition, proposed timber cladding was extended to cover the blockwork element of the original barn. By including these elements, we demonstrated that there would be no material change to the landscape because of the development. Whilst the additional tree and hedgerow planting will have a positive impact on local biodiversity.
Safe and Suitable Access
The Highway Authority objected to the original scheme, due to a belief that ‘safe and suitable access’ was not evidenced. However, a commissioned transport technical note showed that the impact on the transport network “is acceptable and does not compromise highway safety.”
SF Planning addressed and mitigated the concerns raised by the authorities, and a revised planning application was submitted in July 2022. As a result, planning permission was approved by Cotswold District Council in March 2023. We’re delighted to have achieved a positive result for our clients.
For more information on this barn conversion in Cotswold District, please contact Gary Dickens.
For assistance on any planning project, large or small, please get in touch:
t: Cheltenham: 01242 231575 | Gloucester: 01452 527997 | London: 020 3763 8005
SF Planning – What we do
Thanks to the following for your support with this project:
Rappor Infrastructure and Environmental Consultants
All Ecology Ecological Consultancy
