PA22/09549: The removal of existing agricultural buildings with two replacement dwellings and four proposed holiday cottages with access, parking and ancillary garden spaces on a property in Kilkhampton has been approved by Cornwall Council’s planners.
Mr Anthony Heard submitted the application for the development for his property at Houndapitt Farm, Kilkhampton, Bude.
Concerns to the development were made by the Cornwall Area of Natural Beauty Unit, who said among their concerns: “Whilst it is accepted that the existing barns may not positively add to the local landscape, they are a recognisable and characteristic feature of this predominantly agricultural landscape.
“This application seeks consent for two distinct elements; the removal of the existing north-eastern barn and its replacement with two dwellings and the removal of a laneside barn and its replacement with a terrace of four holiday cottages set behind the retained laneside wall. The larger northern barn is proposed to be removed and replaced by two contemporary flat roofed dwellings. In the absence of this barn, these proposed dwellings appear somewhat isolated in the agricultural landscape and poorly related to the existing cluster of built form. This location combines with the proposed flat roofed form of the dwellings with their appreciably glazed elevations and raised terraces to give rise to development which will be conspicuously located and wholly uncharacteristic of this agricultural landscape. The effects of the glazing will be particularly acutely felt with night-time lightspill into this elevated and open agricultural landscape.
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“The proposed terrace of holiday cottages alongside the lane will form a further conspicuous and uncharacteristic new built element replacing the existing barn with its clear relationship to the former agricultural use of the farm buildings. The form of the terrace of cottages is markedly contemporary with render, stonework and timber elevations and substantial fenestration overlooking the lane and landscape to the coast to the southwest.
“The combination of the two new dwellings and terrace of holiday cottages will comprise a conspicuous change to the local landscape, introducing contemporary built elements which do not reflect or respect their setting. The combination of these elements will bring a suburban character to the existing cluster of buildings such that the longstanding relationship between the farm and the agricultural landscape is substantially lost to the detriment of the designated landscape. This effect is recognised in the Landscape and Visual Appraisal which accompanies the application and which states: "the introduction of a contemporary vernacular would detract from the consistent traditional vernacular of the immediate site area
“The proposals do not comply with the requirements of Cornwall Local Plan Policy 7 for Housing in the Countryside.”
A number of conditions were stipulated by the Council in their approval of planning, including the removal of the caravans on site prior to occupation of the dwellings and no other caravans permitted on site, the holiday accommodation cannot be used as permanent dwellings and a number of conditions for work that is required before occupation of any of the properties can take place.