PROPOSALS to convert an agricultural shed into five dwellings at a location near Holsworthy Showground has been approved by Torridge District Council’s planners.

The application concerned is land located on Rydon Lane, Holsworthy - with the application being made by Mr Paul Martin.

The confirmation of the approval will enable Mr Martin to convert the agricultural shed, which was granted planning permission in 2022 into five dwellings without requiring planning permission under permitted development regulations.

In this instance, permitted development rights allow a developer to convert the agricultural building as it presently stands into dwellings, provided the dwellings occupy the curtilage of the current agricultural building which would remain standing in order to not impact the landscape.

The application also confirmed that the building was granted permission in October 2022, but had not been formally brought into use by July 2023, although it had been constructed by then.

Accompanying the planning application was a structural report, with surveyors concluding that the building was suitable for conversion into domestic dwellings.

It stated: “The roof timbers, frames and bracing forming the primary structure are in good condition and are suitably sized to support the vertical loads imposed by the converted scheme.

“The existing wall panels are not load bearing and therefore alterations are easy to create with minor works. An insulated panel will be required to comply with modern building regulations.

“The proposed architectural arrangement is sympathetic to the existing structure, and the primary support can remain with no major structural work. No parts of the structure were found to require replacement, and the existing steel frame is capable of supporting the scheme independently of the proposed conversion works.

“It is our recommendation that the barn is suitable for conversion”

Pyworthy Parish Council issued a strong objection to the plans, making reference to previous planning concerns on the site.

In its response to the application, it told Torridge District Council: “Pyworthy Parish Council strongly objects to this application. The application represents overdevelopment of a site situated in open countryside.

“Additionally, the applicant has previously flouted planning regulations, has not complied with previous planning conditions and has not cleared the site following earlier planning enforcement. The barn in question has never been in agricultural use and has not been in place for the requisite period for change of use to Q status”

Torridge District Council approved the proposals, subject to the following conditions: “Should any contamination of soil or groundwater be discovered during development of the site, the Local Planning Authority should be contacted immediately.

“Site activities within that phase or sub-phase or part thereof, should be temporarily suspended until such time as a procedure for addressing such contamination, within that phase or sub-phase or part thereof, is agreed upon with the Local Planning Authority or other regulating bodies.

“Reason: To protect human health and the environment.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

“Construction works and site deliveries shall be carried out Monday to Friday 0700 to 1900 hours and Saturdays 8am to 1pm only with no works permitted on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Reason: To protect neighbouring residential amenity.”