A COUNCILLOR has expressed his regret at the Class Q 'Trojan Horse approach' to replacing farm buildings with homes. 

Cllr John Parker made the comments as a planning application was permitted to demolish agricultural buildings and build four homes on land next to Staff Lane Cottage in Staff Road, Michelmersh. 

Class Q covers the conversion of agricultural buildings into homes. The latest application, submitted by Linhay Farm Barns Ltd, was permitted by Test Valley Borough Council's southern area planning committee on Tuesday, July 23. Planning officers recommended permission. 

The buildings had previously been granted Class Q permission to be converted into five houses, so it had a fall-back position if the full application was refused. 

Cllr Parker said: “As usual I express regret about the Class Q Trojan Horse approach. But we have to accept the idea of the fall back. This is probably better than trying to pave up an old barn. We have to accept the officers' view. The designs seem appropriate.”

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Current farm buildings (Image: TVBC)

Cllr Neil Gwynne asked the planning officers how many Class Q applications had been submitted.

The meeting was told that around 250 have been lodged since 2014, but not all of these had been permitted. 

Michelmersh and Timsbury Parish Council objected the to scheme, but two members of the public sent supporting comments. 

Bob Davis, chairman of Michelmersh and Timsbury Parish Council, said: “This application will be contrary to the local plan to stop the building of homes in the countryside. The new homes would be out of character for the surroundings.

“This would make a mockery of the Class Q approach and set a precedent for future applications.”

The applicants' agent Alex Munday said: “I have met with the parish council and it's disappointing they are objecting to the principal of development. We would much rather build four homes than the five previously approved. 

“Care and attention has been taken over the designs. We've had letters of support which is rare in my experience. The applicant wished to leave a legacy to be proud of.”

The planning officers' report said: “It is considered that the proposal justifies the departure from the Development Plan in this instance.”

Cllr Alan Dowden said: “I fully support the application. To be honest, with these homes going in, it will improve the area. I'm more than happy to support it.”

The application was permitted with ten votes for and one abstention.