Another bid to keep a commercial building which was built at a local farm without planning permission has been submitted.

Warwick District Council (WDC) has already refused permission for the development at Lower Norton Farm, with a planning inspector upholding the decision.

The previous application revealed a timber barn was demolished at the Norton Lindsey site to make way for the new structure - but without planning permission.

The former equine yard has since been used to service, repair and sell vans, trailers, cars and more.

Permission had previously been given for a different part of the site to be used for that purpose, but WDC said it is not appropriate for the business to have moved to the new spot without permission.

Now a fresh application to the council is asking for permission to keep the building, with its design slightly altered.

"The application site is previously developed land, lawfully associated with commercial activity," it explained. 

"The revised proposals significantly reduce the height, footprint and volume of the building, directly addressing concerns relating to spatial openness of the green belt. 

advertisement

"Visual impact remains limited due to effective screening, access arrangements are unchanged, traffic generation will not increase, and the proposal supports existing employment."

Plans show the building would be reduced in height by 1.7 metres and have one of the bays removed.

The application continued: "Overall, the amendments result in a material reduction in green belt harm, while maintaining an established and lawful commercial use.

"It is therefore respectfully requested that the district council grants planning permission for the proposed development."

When the previous application was submitted, Norton Lindsey Parish Council called for it to be refused and for "enforcement action" to be taken.

"The applicant has undertaken this development without proper regard to the planning process and appropriate community scrutiny," the objection said. 

"Whilst it is appreciated that cost may be incurred by the applicant if the application is refused, this should not be used as a basis for granting permission."

See the latest application here.

advertisement