Plans for new farm buildings would not be 'unduly intrusive'

The council has decided that "prior approval" is not required for the plans for Elton Head Hall Farm, on Elton Head Road.

The application sought confirmation that the proposed building is permitted development or whether prior approval is required for the siting, design, and external appearance of the steel portal frame building.

The officer report says that the General Permitted Development Order 2015, as amended, grants permitted development rights to allow for certain types of development without the need for planning permission.

However, in cases such as this, it is ‘necessary to seek prior approval’ from the local planning authority as to whether specific elements of the development are acceptable before work can proceed.

The officer report says the proposal would be permitted development and would be acceptable with respect to siting, design and external appearance.

It states it is clear that the use of the land is agricultural – and highlighted that the supporting information states the farm is for arable (combinable crops) purposes.

“When viewed from Elton Head Road the building would not be visible and as such it would not be unduly intrusive in views from the road,” it adds.

“This, combined with the size of the building relative to the expansive existing building and fields, would mean it would not appear unduly prominent from surrounding land.

“There are some existing boundary hedges and trees which will screen the building and views along the road of the building to an extent.

“Located towards a field boundary and behind the existing buildings and farm infrastructure, it would be seen against this backdrop rather than in an entirely exposed location.

“In conclusion the proposals siting, design and external appearance would not unacceptably harm the character and appearance of the surrounding area.”

The decision notice says the development must be carried out within five years.