Erection of agricultural barn building

Spatial Policy 5

Requires developments only in defined settlements unless complying with General Policy 3 exceptions. The officer assessed the proposal as countryside development needing to meet the agricultural exception in GP3(f), but it failed due to lack of proven need.

General Policy 3

Exception (f) allows buildings essential for agriculture. The officer emphasised 'essential' means proven sufficient agricultural activity and necessary siting; proposal failed both elements as no evidence of grazing or other activities and siting not justified.

Environment Policy 1

Protects countryside for its own sake with assumption against development. Officer noted adverse countryside impact from new isolated building, aligning with policy prohibiting such unless exceptionally justified.

Environment Policy 15

Requires proof of agricultural need outweighing countryside harm, siting close to existing buildings not in isolation or near highways unless exceptional, and sympathetic design. Proposal failed need proof, had no exceptional siting justification despite landscaping, though design elements were sympathetic.

General Policy 2

Requires design respecting character of site and surroundings (b,c,g). Design was acceptable (scale, green sheeting blending with grassland) but siting caused visual harm to rural character.

Environment Policy 14

Prohibits permanent loss of important agricultural land (Class 1-2 soils). Site is Class 3 soil, so no issue raised.