PRIOR approval is not required for the conversion of a redundant agricultural building at Whitstone, Holsworthy.

The applicant was seeking clarification on whether planning permission was required to convert it into a five-bedroom dwelling.

The applicant told Cornwall Council: “The site is located within the open countryside at Greenacre, Week St Mary. The site is approximately 2 miles southeast from the village of Week St Mary. The site comprises of predominately agricultural sheds with the owners residential dwelling within the immediate vicinity.

“The building the subject of this Class Q application is on the northwestern side of land owned by the applicant, The southwestern and eastern boundaries are in the form of mature hedgerows and offer good screening The sheds construction consists of a steel portal frame with timber purlins and a corrugated roof.

“The frame is cladded externally with box profile sheeting with precast concrete panels up to a height of a approx. 1400mm. The existing vehicular access would be used to serve the proposed dwelling. Two parking areas will be created to the southeast of the barn to facilitate the dwelling.

“The proposal would result in the conversion of the building into a five-bedroom dwelling. The attached proposed floor plans show the exact layout. Two small garden/amenity areas will be created to the northwestern and North Eastern areas of the barn.”

Approving the application, Cornwall Council’s planning department told the application: “The proposed works shall be carried out in accordance with the recommendations set out in section '5.2 Nesting Birds' of the 'Bat & Nesting Bird Survey' by Penpont Ecology Services Ltd dated January 2025.

“Reason: In order to mitigate the impacts on wildlife in accordance with Policy 23 of the Cornwall Local Plan Strategic Policies 2010-2030 (Adopted 22nd November 2016).

“Prior to the first occupation of the dwelling hereby approved, the agricultural building directly to the south-west of the site, and labelled as 'existing shed retained note no livestock to be housed' on the block plan (drawing number: Ha/25-03), shall not be used for the housing of any livestock and shall thereafter only be used for other agricultural purposes.

“Reason: In order to mitigate the impacts of noise and odour in accordance with Policy 13 of the Cornwall Local Plan Strategic Policies 2010-2030 (Adopted 22nd November 2016).”

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