PA23/03244: A planning application for the conversion and extension of barns into dwellings and construction of a replacement dwelling in lieu of Class Q approval in St Merryn has been withdrawn.

Mr Shaun Lyne had submitted the application to Cornwall Council for the property known as Trenearne Farm, St Merryn, Padstow.

At the time of withdrawal, the plans had received objections.

Padstow Town Council objected on a number of grounds, responding with: “NOT SUPPORTED: i) Overdevelopment; ii) visual impact; iii) not beneficial to economy; iv) concern for wildlife; and v) not compliant with Parish NDP (affordable housing)”

Concerns were also raised by Historic Environment Planning, who noted the history of the property, writing: “Trenearne Farmhouse is a grade II* listed building of 17th century origins, and is of the highest significance. The house that survives today is the remains of a once larger, higher status house. The lower cross wing was demolished prior to the mid-19th century and the house became a tenanted farmhouse.

“The house has an intrinsic functional relationship with the adjacent farm buildings, which contribute strongly to its setting and significance. There is a clear hierarchy between the buildings, with the farm buildings being subservient to the principal building.”

They later advised: “This planning application proposes the conversion of 5 of the farm buildings to 4 dwellings and the demolition of the barn permitted as a Class Q conversion under PA22/04074.

“This is a very much more impactful proposal when compared with the 2017 consent for 2 holiday lets and an office/workshop, which was a relatively low impact scheme.

“The scale of the proposed extensions to Barn 2 and Barns B/X, combined with the entirely new and very large detached dwelling replacing barn A culminate in a significant dilution of the historic character of the site. The resulting impact would be an overly modern, suburban character reinforced by the proposed use of aluminium windows and doors, expanses of new glazing, new openings in historic fabric, terraces and a proliferation of rooflights.

“The proposed new detached dwelling would uncomfortably compete for primacy with the principal building. Overall, the scheme erodes the established hierarchy of buildings on the site and would diminish the presence of the principal building in key views.

“HEP are also concerned over the proposed use as separate dwellings rather than holiday/office use. This would be very much more intensive, with pressure for individual gardens and boundary treatments, the subdivision of the farmyard, additional car parking and driveways, future garaging, storage and other domestic paraphernalia. The scheme would fragment and over-develop the historic farmstead which is highly sensitive to change.

“HEP advise that the current scheme results in very high levels of harm to the setting and significance of Trenearne. The authenticity and vernacular characteristics of the farm buildings and the hierarchy of the buildings on the site would be significantly eroded by the proposals. This harm is not considered justified or outweighed by the removal of Barn A.”