Agenda item

PROPOSAL: Conversion of existing building into two self-catering holiday let units with new log store and covered seating area.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION: Permit. 

19.24        This application was for conversion of existing building into two self-catering holiday let units with new log store and covered seating area.

19.25        The Planning Officer advised that the application related to a Dutch barn at Bank Farm which was located to the north of Dumbleton village within the Conservation Area and Special Landscape Area.  The barn currently provided two storeys of storage and was clad on three sides with a mix of timber and corrugated sheeting.  The application sought permission to convert the barn into two holiday lets and would entail the cladding of the principal open side with corrugated sheeting and formation of window and door openings to allow the building to operate as tourist accommodation.  The application also proposed a new single storey timber-framed building to provide a log store and seating area.  Policy TOR2 of the Tewkesbury Borough Plan related to the provision of serviced and self-catering accommodation and restricted such accommodation outside of residential development boundaries to the conversion and renovation of existing buildings.  The reasoned justification advised that, whilst new development would not normally be accepted in open countryside, some types of tourist accommodation were well-suited to conversions which could breathe life into old buildings.  Furthermore, Policy AGR6 supported the conversion of rural buildings to short stay holiday accommodation where buildings were permanent, capable of conversion and would not adversely affect the rural environment or residential amenity.  The building comprised a substantial Dutch barn with adjoining timber-framed lean-to and the proposed alterations were considered acceptable and would result in a well-designed structure which would balance the alterations necessary to allow it to be used for holiday let purposes, whilst retaining the utilitarian character of the agricultural building.  The site was well-screened by mature trees and shrubs and it was considered that the proposal would not result in adverse impact on the wider landscape, Conservation Area or the living conditions of adjoining occupiers.  It was therefore recommended that the application be permitted, subject to conditions set out in the Committee report.

19.26         The Chair indicated that there were no public speakers for this item.  The Officer recommendation was to permit the application and he sought a motion from the floor.  It was proposed and seconded that the application be permitted in accordance with the Officer recommendation.  A Member drew attention to recommended condition 4 which required the holiday let units to only be occupied as holiday units and not occupied by any individual or family group for more than two months in any 12 month period.  He raised concern that the holiday lets could be turned into residential dwellings once the conversion had been carried out and, whilst he understood that would require planning permission for change of use, he asked whether anything further could be done at this stage to prevent that.  In response, the Development Manager clarified that the condition proposed was adequate in terms of that and there was nothing further that could be added.

19.27         Upon being put to the vote, it was

RESOLVED          That the application be PERMITTED in accordance with the Officer recommendation.