We have just secured planning permission for a replacement agricultural workers dwelling for a farm in Buckland Hollow in Ambergate, Derbyshire.
Our client had specific design features they needed incorporated in order for the new dwelling to practically integrate with the farming operation, including a large boot-room with the capability to wash the sheep-dogs before entering the house. We were able to secure a larger house than had previously been on the site by using Permitted Development Rights to strengthen our argument to the Local Authority, Amber Valley Borough Council.
The difficulty for the project came following the Coal Authority’s concern about the possibility of shallow mine workings that had been flagged by the coal mining assessment. We entered into a difficult period of negotiation with the Coal Authority, who wanted us to conduct some invasive drilling through the centre of the footprint of the proposed dwelling. The issue from our perspective was that we could not demolish the current structure until we had secured permission to build the replacement. Demolition of the building without the confirmation of the replacement was an unacceptable risk to the applicant. We were able to successfully negotiate with both the Coal and Planning Authorities to secure permission that allowed for the demolition of the building but contained conditions that required the invasive drilling to be carried out before the property could be built. This was a positive outcome for both the Coal Authority and for our client.
Obtaining planning permission can provide you with that dream home in the countryside or maybe the way of life you have always dreamt of.
It can also bring about significant gains and help to maximise the value of your rural property. However, development in the countryside is subject to strict planning controls which can make obtaining planning permission very difficult. We have vast experience of working on rural projects for homeowners, landowners and farmers in rural areas including agricultural dwellings and occupancy conditions, farm diversification schemes and Class Q barn conversions. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for a no obligation consultation to discuss your particular building or project.
Rory Bradford, Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd
