2460897
The development will consist of the retention of an equestrian development comprising three stable buildings, with a capacity to accommodate 18 horses (as well as rugged animals kept outside), sand arena, horse walker, external lighting, a detached building which was formerly used as an unapproved dwelling but which is now to be retained and used as a farm office, along with existing hardstanding for a parking area, an internal driveway, a revised entrance including an altered timber fence along the front boundary of the site and a connection to the mains water system. The application includes a new two-storey, detached farmhouse containing four bedrooms, a combined kitchen dining area and children’s den as well as ancillary storage, bathroom, utility and garage areas, the installation of a secondary wastewater treatment facility with polishing filter, the provision of equine waste facilities and all associated site works’
Core Refusal Reason
Failure to satisfy the local housing need criteria for a dwelling in an Area Under Strong Urban Influence, alongside concerns regarding ribbon development and wastewater management.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a functional economic or social need to reside in this specific rural area, as required by National Policy Objective 19 of the National Planning Framework.
- The proposed dwelling would exacerbate a pattern of ribbon development in an open rural area, which is contrary to the policy of preserving the rural environment and managing urban sprawl.
- The site's ground conditions were deemed unsuitable for the satisfactory treatment and disposal of domestic effluent, posing a risk to public health and groundwater quality.