Winchester planners approve application to transform barn

Austin Holdings Limited applied to the South Downs National Park Authority for permission to insert mezzanine floors to the apart-hotel units at Old Green Farm in Whites Lane, Owslebury.

The application also covered recladding the remaining part of the existing barn to create enclosed storage for the holding and comes following a successful change of use application to SDNPA.

The plans were approved by the Winchester City Council planning committee on Wednesday, July 17.

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Louise Taylor objecting to the plans (Image: Chris Atkinson)

Objecting to the application, Louise Taylor, of Whaddon Lane, said: “The planning report overlooks the statuary purposes for national parks, specifically to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and heritage.

“The report also overlooks the very significant local concerns, such as lighting and impact on our dark skies. The current building has no visible lights, the building itself and hence any lighting is much more visible from surrounding properties and rights-of-way than either the applicant or the planning report and its selectively taken photos accept, such as to the south.

“The change of use went through based on reduced traffic movement for the apart-hotel, but as the comparator, they used office use, which is erroneous. The site has never been used in this way, agricultural use would have been far more appropriate. There are two unsuitable entrances, neither of which have pavement access.”

Jacob Goodenough, agent for the application, said: “The proposal involves the use of an already existing building, aligning with both national and local planning policies. These policies encourage the re-use of existing structures to support a resilient local economy and to preserve and enhance our environment. By choosing to repurpose this barn, the applicant is choosing to uphold these principles.

“The proposal does not seek to alter its size or dimensions, the visual impact on the local landscape will remain unchanged and the familiar silhouette of the barn will persist.

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Map of the site (Image: WCC)

“Additionally, this development will support the local economy, by increasing tourist expenditure in local businesses, for example at the Ship Inn which is immediately adjacent to the site.”

Cllr Jonathan Williams said that he was content with the application and the conditions attached to it, but raised concerns over noise, saying: “Although I will be supporting this, I would encourage the applicants to work towards mitigating noise impacts through landscaping or planting so that neighbours aren’t adversely affected.”

The application was approved unanimously.