[2024] UKUT 0414 (LC)

The proposed new buildings would be of timber frame design, with gently sloping roofs suitable for bio-diverse planting and for photovoltaic panels. At its highest point the new roof would be would 5.5m, compared with the current building ridge height of 5.0m. The covenant restricts development to buildings of no more than 12 feet (3.66m). The elevations would be of burnt larch (i.e. dark colour) vertical cladding and full height non-reflective glazing, under a Glulam (glued timber laminate) overhang structure supported on uprights. Some of the gaps between uprights would be infilled with screens of spaced burnt larch verticals, to break up the appearance and provide solar screening for occupants. Exterior lighting would be low level or affixed to the buildings under the canopy, with directional accessories. 13 trees, a mix of hazel, whitebeam, hornbeam and lime, would be planted in the space between the buildings and the field.

Parking for 41 cars would be provided in front of the buildings; an increase in provision from the current estimate of 25 available spaces. The group of existing buildings is enclosed and screened by close boarded timber fencing, approximately 2.5m high. This would be removed to open up views from the site and create landscaped areas for walking and sitting.

17 conditions were attached to the planning permission, of which those particularly relevant to this application concerned the materials to be used, the parking scheme, the landscaping scheme and the need for approval of schemes for lighting and surface water drainage.

The elevations of most concern to the objectors were those which would face out into the field, without the benefit of the current close boarded fence for screening. A visualisation from the design and access statement submitted with the planning application is provided below. It does not show any of the tree planting specified in the landscaping scheme.