Another interesting from the planning portal, an article for those wishing to convert a barn, mill or other farm outbuilding:
Planning Minister Nick Boles has reassured MPs that the Government is well aware of the arguments being put forward to exempt National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty from proposals to introduce permitted development rights for redundant agricultural buildings.
Campaigners fear that change in permitted development could lead to large numbers of isolated new homes in unsustainable or inappropriate locations.
The minister told the Commons “the intention behind the proposed permitted developed right is to bring forward more housing on land that is already developed, and to make maximum use of the buildings that our ancestors saw fit to build, so that we do not have to put up any more buildings on green fields than is necessary to meet our housing and other needs”.
He added: “I recognise, however, and the Government recognise, that national parks and AONBs are so called for a reason and have a special status. It is a status we must respect, and it is important that we think hard and listen to the arguments put to us about the appropriateness of this measure in those areas.
“Although I cannot anticipate the Government’s final position, I reassure Parliament that the Government have heard the arguments loud and clear.”
Earlier he had agreed with fellow Conservative MPs who queued up to voice concern during an adjournment debate that “it might well be appropriate for national parks to retain the ability to decide on a case-by-case basis whether such development is possible”.
Roger Milne
www.gbs-designs.co.uk