Farming building set for go-ahead

Proposals have been put forward by Andrew Growcott for a new general purpose agricultural building on land off Lostford Lane, Wollerton, near Market Drayton.

Mr Growcott said he would use the building to house his livestock and feed alongside allowing storage of machinery.

Hodnet Parish Council objected to the proposed development due to a number of reasons including; the applicant has been granted retrospective planning permission for the existing building, which was not built in accordance with the approved plans and an ecology survey should be submitted.

They also said details for the storage of manure should be provided, the current building is sufficient for the needs of the holding and the proposal is an industrial expansion on a small area.

Shropshire Council also received five objections from members of the public.

Some of their concerns included the development was turning the area into an industrial unit, it would have a detrimental visual impact on the countryside and the existing building was under-utilised and could accommodate the extra uses.

In a report by Sue Collins, case officer for Shropshire Council, it says: "At present there are no other outstanding matters in terms of breaches of consent or planning law as cited by some residents and parish council.

"However, the failure of the applicant to comply with previous applications or conditions is not a material planning consideration. Therefore it is the recommendation of officers that this should not be used as a reason to justify refusal.

"Retrospective applications are not well received by communities and some members; however it is not illegal to apply for retrospective planning permission.

"While residents have commented that they see no justification for the need, officers are of the opinion that there is justification given the increase in the size of the holding and the livestock numbers being considered.

"Externally the materials used do appear more industrial, but this is a common feature of modern agricultural buildings with many farms across the country utilising this design.

"The distance between the building and the neighbouring properties would not result in any loss of light or privacy.

"As such officers are of the view that the development would not cause a detrimental impact on the residential amenities of the surrounding area.

"While there is objection to the proposed development, it is the opinion of officers that the proposal is acceptable in its scale and design for the needs of the holding."

The plans will be discussed at a meeting of Shropshire Council's north planning committee on Tuesday at 2pm.