The Eastern Area Planning Committee of Wiltshire Council was scheduled to consider a planning application for a permanent rural worker's dwelling. The committee was also due to receive updates on planning appeals.

Planning Applications

Land south of West Kennett Farm, East Kennett, SN8 1QF

The committee was scheduled to consider a full planning application for the permanent retention of a mobile home as a rural worker's dwelling at Land south of West Kennett Farm, East Kennett. This application followed a previous temporary permission granted in 2021 for a mobile home and replacement stabling. The site is located within the North Wessex Downs National Landscape and the Avebury World Heritage Site (WHS).

The report indicated that the equestrian business operating at the site, which focuses on the rehabilitation of performance equines, requires an on-site worker. An independent Agricultural Business Consultant had assessed the evidence and concluded that there was an essential need for a permanent rural worker dwelling and that the business was financially sound.

Concerns were raised by East Kennett Parish Meeting and members of the public regarding the precedent for housing development in a World Heritage Site and National Landscape, the condition of the access byway, and the justification for a permanent dwelling.

The World Heritage Site Coordination Unit stated that the dwelling and associated business use presented a minor change to the WHS and its setting, with harm to its Outstanding Universal Value considered to be less than substantial. They recommended the removal of permitted development rights to prevent future urbanisation of the site and to ensure any future development could be assessed. Conditions were also suggested regarding external lighting to protect dark skies and archaeological investigation if any groundworks were proposed.

The report noted that the site is well-screened by mature vegetation, minimising visual impact from public rights of way. It also highlighted that the North Wessex Downs National Landscape Management Plan supports equestrian businesses due to their contribution to the rural economy.

The report concluded that the proposal was considered policy compliant and that there were no overriding material planning considerations or significant harm that would justify refusing planning permission. The recommendation was to grant planning permission subject to several conditions, including those relating to approved plans, archaeology, retention of external materials, the dwelling being tied to the equestrian business, restrictions on external lighting, and the removal of permitted development rights. A condition for the removal of the dwelling and restoration of the site was also proposed should the equestrian business cease.

Planning Appeals and Updates

The committee was scheduled to receive details of completed and pending planning appeals. The provided documents listed several appeal decisions, including:

• Mill Farm, Stanton St Bernard, Marlborough, SN8 4LT: An appeal against the grant of planning permission and listed building consent for single-storey extensions and the installation of heritage conservation rooflights was dismissed. The Inspector found that the proposed variations would harm the significance of the Grade II listed Mill Farmhouse.
• Bourne Works, High Street, Collingbourne Ducis, SN8 3EQ: An appeal against the refusal of planning permission for a new dwelling was dismissed. The Inspector concluded that the proposed development would harm the character and appearance of the Collingbourne Ducis Conservation Area and the settings of the Grade II listed buildings at 48 High Street and Hope Cottage.
• Forge Lee, Blacksmiths Yard, Post Office Lane, Broad Hinton, SN4 9PB: An appeal against the refusal of planning permission for the use of office and storage ancillary to Forge Lee as an ancillary single residential annexe was allowed with conditions. The Inspector found that the development would not harm the character and appearance of the surrounding area.

The report also listed one pending appeal:

• 1 Rectory Court, Marlborough Road, Aldbourne, Marlborough, SN8 2DD: An appeal against non-determination for the erection of a lean-to greenhouse.