Council turns down barn conversion bid by Northumberland Estates
A proposed barn conversion bid has been turned down by council planners.
Northumberland Estates submitted a ‘notification of prior approval’ on plans to convert a barn into six dwellings at Hoppen Farm, near Lucker.
A letter from the tenant farmer added that the buildings are no longer required for agricultural use.
However, the application has been refused in part due to concerns about the extent of external alterations on the 19th century building.
A planning officer’s report stated: “The submitted plans indicate extensive alterations, including the introduction of numerous new windows, doors, and rooflights.
"While these changes aim to provide natural light and functionality for residential use, the number and scale of proposed openings would significantly alter the agricultural character of the buildings, introducing large glazed areas and affecting elevations that were historically windowless.
"This approach conflicts with best practice guidance for the adaptive reuse of traditional farm buildings, which emphasises minimising alterations and retaining distinctive features.
"While the structural works proposed are considered necessary and proportionate, the extent of external alterations raises concerns regarding the design and external appearance of the buildings.”
The site is located next to the Grade II listed Hoppen Farmhouse and associated listed henhouse and pigsty and the council stated there was insufficient information to demonstrate that the buildings proposed for conversion are not listed or curtilage listed.
There was also insufficient information in relation to the transport and highway impacts, in particular the suitability of the track for intensified residential use or how each unit would be accessed; and insufficient information in relation to protected species and ecological impacts.