Agenda item
24/005921/FUL Land and Barns South of Mill Farm, Widford, Burford.
Minutes:
Clare Anscombe, Senior Planner, presented the application for the conversion of existing buildings to provide an office and dwelling (live-work accommodation) with associated works and landscaping. Alterations to existing access (amended plans).
The Senior Planner’s presentation addressed the following points:
- The Senior Planner drew the Sub-Committee’s attention to the Additional Representations report. The Biodiversity Officer had been consulted and had no objections to the application.
- The site is within the hamlet of Widford, consisted of two former agricultural barns and hard standing. Within the Cotswold National Landscape and residential dwellings were beside the site.
- The application was before the Sub-Committee due to objections from the Parish Council.
- The proposed development would convert the existing buildings to provide an office and a 3-bedroom dwelling with associated works and landscaping, including alterations to the existing access.
- Part of the barn would be demolished to allow for parking to be provided. 3 parking spaces would be provided and bicycle storage.
- The materials to be used included glazing with perforated steel sheet cladding. The original position of the barns would be retained.
Mike Hayson on behalf of, Residents of Widford addressed the Sub-Committee and raised the following points;
· The proposed development was in a rural area and proposed materials were not in keeping with the surrounding properties and character of the area.
- The square footage of the proposed dwelling was excessive and dominated the neighbouring properties.
- No public transport would result in more cars to the site and the site access was unsuitable for large vehicles.
Lisa Harrop, Widford Parish Council addressed the Sub-Committee and raised the following points;
- Widford was a hamlet with no transport or amenities so any future residents would be reliant on cars, as would any employees.
- The design and proposed materials were not in keeping with the landscape and character of the area.
- From an ecological perspective there was limited data on Great Crested Newts.
- A smaller scheme would reduce harm.
Members asked about objections to the original scheme. Lisa Harrop explained that after the Parish Council’s discussions with residents, concerns were raised over size and provision of parking and over development. The Parish Council requested comments from Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) highways but did not receive a response.
David Burson, agent for the applicant, addressed the Sub-Committee and raised the following points;
- The development was for a family with an office to support the business currently located in Burford, this would create a better work life balance.
- The Council could not demonstrate a 5 Year housing land supply; the proposed development would provide housing and reuse an existing building.
Members asked about the benefits of moving the family’s business from Burford to a more rural location. David Burson explained that the development would give security to the business and create a better work life balance with the house providing a home for the family alongside an office to run the business. The owners of the development were invested in the area and keen to stay in the area long term.
Councillor Rosie Pearson, Ward Member for Brize Norton and Shilton, addressed the Sub-Committee which raised the following points;
- The access to the site was quite tight with a public right of way used by farm vehicles.
- Previously the barns had been considered for storage use, however there was a question on how this had been marketed.
- The Sub-committee should consider a site visit.
- If the Sub-Committee was minded to approve the application, would the Sub-Committee consider a condition for the office space to be for ancillary use only.
The Senior Planner’s presentation addressed the following points:
- The last use of the barns and part of the hardstanding area was for lawful storage use and this forms a baseline against which the application had been considered .
- The Council cannot demonstrate a 5 year housing land supply and, the development would therefore contribute to meeting the district’s housing needs.
- The continued use of the barns for storage would result in more traffic to the site. There would be benefits to ecology and employment.
- There were no objections from highways and ecology. Parking was not an issue on the site.
- The building of the dwelling and office would enhance the character of the current site and create ongoing employment in the area.
- The application was recommended for approval.
The Chair then invited the Sub-Committee to discuss the application, which raised the following points:
- Members acknowledged that a site visit would not be beneficial due to no objections from OCC Highways. The parking would be used for the residents of the property and the employees of the business.
- Use of the office for an architectural business would result in less traffic than business use for storage.
- Concerns were raised over the proposed materials, change from timber to steel, drainage, asbestos and the future use of the office which could change to being a living area. The Senior Planner confirmed that the change of materials reflected the original materials of the barns and so in their view, would conserve the character and appearance of the area. Further, details of surface water drainage could be controlled by condition and matters relating to asbestos were not relevant considerations as there was separate legislation controlling this. Officers also advised that a condition could be imposed requiring the dwelling to be occupied in association with the business if members were minded to.
Councillor Lidia Arcizsewska proposed the Sub-Committee approve the application with a condition that the dwelling should be occupied in association with the business. This was seconded by Councillor Mark Walker and put to the vote.
Voting Record – unanimous
The Sub-Committee resolved to:
- Approve the application with a condition that the dwelling should be occupied in association with the business.