Planning & Design Practice Ltd are delighted to announce another successful barn conversion with a modest extension in the Green Belt. This will allow our client to change the use of, and re-use, an unused agricultural building to form a new home not far from Thornhill Edge, West Yorkshire.
The proposal was designed by our in-house Architecture team. The proposal was for a 2-bedroom dwelling with an open plan living area. It was important to retain the agricultural character of the building to respect the site’s rural setting. The existing cladding is to be retained, which will also be continued on the proposed extension. New vertical timber cladding will also be located on the front elevation, infilling the existing roller shutter entrance ways. Solar photovoltaic panels and an air source heat pump were both also proposed, promoting more sustainable methods of energy generation and heating.
As the site was located in the Green Belt, development is often deemed inappropriate and likely not supported. However, there are exceptions where development is allowed if it can be shown to be appropriate. This was one such case. Planning policy allows for the re-use of buildings in the Green Belt provided that they are of permanent and substantial construction. Extensions to buildings are also permitted as long as it does not result in disproportionate additions over and above the size of the original building.
A structural survey confirmed that the building was structurally sound and capable of being used as a home. A preliminary roost assessment was also submitted, which confirmed that there was negligible potential for bats to be roosting the building.
The supporting statement discussed how the proposal met these exceptions, and the development was not inappropriate in the Green Belt. With no objections from technical consultees, the Application was approved. Another great success for the team at PDP and a win for our client!
Planning & Design Practice Ltd is a multi-disciplinary team of Chartered Town Planners, Architects, Architectural Assistants and Heritage Specialists. Gaining planning permission is a key step in almost any development. We can take a project through from inception to completion, but we also offer the flexibility to engage a client’s own architects and provide a planning service, whilst our design team can also work with clients who have engaged other town planning professionals.
Planning & Design Practice Ltd are well versed in researching and understanding local Council’s policies to ensure the best possible case if put forward for our clients.
For a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01332 347371 or info@planningdesign.co.uk