THE Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has objected to plans to convert and extend a barn in Gilmonby.
The two-storey building, part of Howlugill Farm, is not listed or in a conservation area. However, the CPRE says the proposed development’s close proximity to the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a cause for concern. Planning permission is also being sought for a surfaced drive to the barn, which is set back from the nearest road by 460m.
The proposal has been submitted by Barry Cooper, of Greta Bridge. A design and access statement in support of the plan states: “The field barn forms part of the applicant’s family farm. The applicants wish to create a family home to meet their long-term needs.”
The plans say minimal alterations are proposed to the existing barn and adjoining stable, with existing features retained.
Under the scheme, a new bedroom wing would be created, connected to the barn by a glazed link. A new garage would also be built. The statement adds: “The proposal does not unreasonably harm the rural landscape of the area. It takes a disused barn and safeguards it for the future by giving it a new purpose. New extensions are sympathetic and in keeping.”
However, the CPRE Durham branch disagrees.
In its response to the proposals, the organisation states: “Our main concern is it will introduce a new dwelling in a very isolated location in the countryside that lies either within or very close to the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
“The site is some 460 metres from the nearest adopted highway, itself a narrow country lane.
“If approved, it will also be necessary to construct an access track from this track as it skirts the boundary of the site.”
The branch points that with the proposal also involving the construction of a new extension and garage, it does not follow the Town and Country Planning Order 2015.
“Given the isolation of this building, we represent that this proposal is not for sustainable development and so the application should be refused permission.”
