214638
Permission for an agricultural grain store and ancillary farm buildings. The proposed development includes the provision of (1) a grain store (2827.36sq.m) comprising 3no. storage bays complete with silo, elevators, conveyors, drying and air handling plant, (2) agricultural farm shed (1454.40sq.m) comprising agricultural machinery and hay/straw storage areas, (3) horse stables (550.22sq.m) comprising 7no. stalls for breeding/rearing of blood stock with ancillary toilet and feed storage areas and a mezzanine storage level, 4) dungstead, (5) concrete surfaced farmyard, (6) 2 no. overground LPG storage tanks in farmyard, (7) relocation of existing farm entrance on local road L7645, (8) internal access road linking relocated farm entrance to new farmyard, (9) 1.1m high timber-effect concrete fencing and gates to farm site frontage, internal access road and farmyard, (10) provision of 10pe treatment plant and polishing filter, (11) construction of infiltration basin and landscaped berm including re-grading of adjacent farm field levels, plus (12) weightbridge record office (94.36sqm) including weighbridge record system, grain quality-control testing laboratory, farm office and staff welfare facilities, (13) 2 no. weighbridges and (14) all associated site works.
Core Planning Reasoning
The proposed development is considered an appropriate agricultural infrastructure use for this rural location. The Inspector determined that the applicant demonstrated a specific locational need for the facility to be near tillage lands for the immediate drying of malting barley, and that the project would not seriously injure residential amenities, traffic safety, or the visual character of the High Value Landscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development constitutes essential agricultural infrastructure that supports the tillage sector, with a proven locational requirement to be situated in proximity to the harvest source to ensure grain quality.
- Potential visual impacts on the designated High Value Landscape and the nearby Barryscourt Castle are considered low to imperceptible, particularly with the use of dark green cladding and existing screening.
- Concerns regarding traffic safety, noise, and dust emissions can be satisfactorily addressed through the enforcement of 15 specific planning conditions, including a requirement for a comprehensive noise survey and dust deposition limits.