We were asked to help achieve planning permission to replace a barn with a new dwelling. The clients had previously engaged other consultants, but their application was unsuccessful and had to be withdrawn.
The scheme was then revised and reduced in order to retain the existing barn. The barn which was built circa 1860, is an unlisted heritage asset, and is recorded within the Wiltshire Buildings Record as having local historic value. Within the officer’s report, it was deemed that the revised proposal would make a “positive contribution to the character of the area”.
AssetSphere were able to successfully negotiate resolutions to matters concerning highways, ecology and conservation throughout the course of the application.
A preliminary roost assessment and subsequent Phase 2 bat surveys revealed the presence of two species of bat, which were utilising the existing barn as an occasional day roost. As well as additional measures to support biodiversity, a ‘cart shed’ was proposed to provide alternative loft roost space in conjunction with its purpose as a car port.
The new structure was justified in planning terms as a replacement of a previous structure which had fallen to ruin, and would be relocated to a more discreet position to the west of the barn.
In terms of conservation, the proposal was well received with only minor concerns. These related to the replacement of the roof structure and increase to the roof pitch, but were addressed through the revision of the proposed roofing material and the provision of additional clarifying information.
The application was approved, with conditions relating to material specification, ecological enhancement, highways, landscaping and water consumption.
This was a highly successful outcome for our clients, whose intention was to then sell the property with planning permission.
