APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE TO REPLACE EXISTING FARM BUILDINGS WITH NEW FARM BUILDINGS AND AGRICULTURAL WORKER'S ACCOMMODATION
Statement Prepared By Laurel Bank Farms Limited
Laurel Bank Farm comprises about 35 acres of good quality arable land, which has been consistently improved over the last 10 years together with some 5 acres of scenic woodland. Since purchase, Laurel Bank Farm Limited has carried out extensive drainage and improvement works to the land together with substantial tree planting and new stock fences and hedges to such an extent, that the land now supports a good head of stock.
The present farm buildings are admittedly of poor quality and need to be replaced with purpose-built substantial and more attractive buildings, so that livestock and plant can be properly protected.
The following will give an indication of the present stock Mechanical stock comprises the following. {{table:19492}} In addition to the above there are obviously small, valuable hand tools and machinery, all of which needs to be properly protected.
In the current economic climate, with the welfare of animals and the protection of equipment, it is no longer acceptable for an agricultural worker to live off site and therefore, it is now necessary for the agricultural worker to live on the farm so that adequate measures are taken to protect the farm's interests.
Whilst it is envisaged that the farm buildings will be of steel framework design, clad with either steel or timber, the machinery building with living accommodation above may be of stone, but all subject to final design.
Planning Statement
APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE TO REPLACE EXISTING FARM BUILDINGS WITH NEW FARM BUILDINGS AND AGRICULTURAL WORKERS ACCOMMODATION
Laurel Bank Farm, Glen Helen comprises 45 acres of arable land together with some woodland.
The main dwelling house is situated on the eastern boundary of the farm near to the adjoining property Laurel Bank House. The main access to Laurel Bank Farm is from the Staarvey Road, where there are wide access drives although there is a further access from the A3 TT Course, but this is seldom used, because it is steep and narrow.
The proposal is to remove the dilapidated and poor quality farm buildings that presently exist together with huts and containers, which have all been necessary to provide safe housing for livestock, feed, hay and animals.
The existing buildings once removed, will be replaced with similar sized animal pens for sheep and cattle during the winter together with a separate building for hay storage, part of which may also be used for cattle. A further two-storey building is to be constructed for housing machinery and there will be two loose boxes for horses. Above this accommodation there will be simple farm workers accommodation.
When the property was purchased by the present owners in 1994, the farm had not been worked for many years and the farm land was of poor quality, overgrown with fences and tracks all damaged or lost. Since purchase, all land has been improved, fences reinstated and tracks repaired and once again, the farm is a viable enterprise.
Over the years 4,000 trees have been planted.
The application is approval in principle only and the detailed design of the buildings and accommodation would be subject to later consultation and approval.
PLEASE SEE STATEMENT FROM OWNER
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