Erection of two dwellings. (In lieu of prior approval for the conversion of an agricultural building into two dwellings 23/00549/COUNOT).

Members were informed that this application had been referred to the Planning Committee as the proposed development would conflict with the requirements of the Development Plan, principally Policy SPL2 (Settlement Development Boundaries) of the Tendring District Local Plan 2013-2033 and Beyond Section 2 (adopted January 2022) being located outside of any defined settlement development boundary and that it had an Officer recommendation of approval.

It was reported that one of the proposed dwellings was sited in a slightly different location to the east but remained adjacent to the prior approval building, and was of a very similar size, design, and also retained the same number of bedrooms. Officers were content, therefore, that the proposal would not be harmful to the character and appearance of the surrounding area.

The Committee was told that there were no significant issues in respect to neighbouring amenities, or harm to trees. Essex Highways Authority had raised no objections and there was sufficient space for parking, whilst ECC Ecology had removed their initial holding objection following the submission of additional photographic evidence that the building to be demolished would not have any potential for the roosting of bats.

The Committee had before it the published Officer report containing the key planning issues, relevant planning policies, planning history, any response from consultees, written representations received and a recommendation of approval.

At the meeting, an oral presentation was made by the Council’s Senior Planning Officer (MP) in respect of the application.

An update sheet had been circulated to the Committee prior to the meeting with details of the following:-

(a) for information purposes only, Essex County Council Place Services (Heritage) initial comments, dated 3rd November 2023, were as follows:

“The application is for proposed erection of two dwellings. (in lieu of prior approval for the conversion of an agricultural building into two dwellings 23/00549/COUNOT). A site visit has been carried out in November 2023.

The proposal site is within the setting of Grade II Listed Braham Hall. The existing barn is part of a group of agricultural buildings that have been added to the farmstead in the 20th century and they are not of historic of architectural significance. However, they form an interesting group which includes the proposal site, three brick and concrete storages/stables and a water tank arranged around a yard, and are considered in keeping with the rural character of the setting. The complex of modern agricultural barns contribute to the setting of the designated heritage asset and to our understanding of the significance of Braham Hall as an historic farmhouse.

There is no objection in principle to the demolition of the existing barn to be replaced by two dwellings. However, the proposed dwellings are very residential in character and are not considered to be in keeping with the rural character of the setting of Braham Hall.

The scheme previously submitted with reference 23/00549/COUNOT can overall be considered acceptable as the conversion of an existing barn, which is constrained by the existing structure, and, while  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81