Outline planning permission for a permanent agricultural worker dwelling

A previous consent (elapsed) had been granted for the conversion of an existing building on the site to an agricultural worker accommodation. However, due to the development of the farm over time, this building was no longer suitable for conversion. A thorough search of property available for sale and rental in the local area confirmed that affordable accommodation could not be sourced by any other means. The council’s agricultural consultant and case officer agreed with the case we made for provision of accommodation in the form of a new-build dwelling.

Flood risk was a primary constraint which determined the proposed location of the new dwelling. The dwelling needed to be located close to the farm buildings in order to serve the farm and to be within sight and sound of the livestock, but also had to avoid areas at increased risk of flooding.

To the east of the site, an area of Flood Zone 2 and 3 was present. To the west, an area subject to groundwater flood risk was present. Therefore, the site proposed for the new dwelling was an area unaffected by either. Unavoidably, the access to the dwelling crossed the area of Flood Zone 2 and 3. Therefore, it was necessary to provide a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA). This was completed by Mabbett & Associates Ltd.

During the course of the application, additional flood risk information was requested by the Environment Agency, and we worked quickly and efficiently to organise its provision. This included a topographical survey carried out by Cole & Cole Surveying, confirmation of flood design levels, additional information regarding flood protection measures, and an emergency access and egress plan. Upon submission of these items, the Environment Agency were able to withdraw their previous objection, enabling the application to be approved.