Permission Granted for Retrospective Change of Use in South Staffs

Acting on behalf of a long-standing client, Claremont Planning were instructed by Rockford Estates to prepare a retrospective planning application for the change of use of a barn from sui generis agricultural use to general storage, B8 use class. The barn, located within a compound of multiple buildings under the control of the applicant, benefited from permission for use to store agricultural items and machinery. But as a consequence of changes in the applicant’s circumstances, the barn was no longer needed for farming use and is of better use for storage.

It was demonstrated through the submission that the established use of the barn for general storage purposes conformed to local planning policy and did not demonstrate unsustainable development. Concerns with respect to highway safety were addressed by an improved access driveway. Through the proposal it was also shown that appropriate controls could be implemented to overcome concerns regarding residential amenity through limitations to delivery times and vehicle weight restrictions. Planning permission was granted by Planning Committee putting an end to a long-standing enforcement matter.