Agricultural storage building plan near Todmorden pub approved but stable blocks and caravan proposal refused
Two applications relating to a new agricultural development on land neighbouring a Todmorden hilltop inn have had mixed fortunes from Calderdale planners.
Planning officers approved an application to demolish some existing buildings and remove a container to allow an agricultural storage building to be built on land next to the Shepherd’s Rest at Lumbutts Road, Todmorden.
But they refused a separate application for a lawful development certificate for the siting of existing stable blocks and change of use of land, also next to the Shepherd’s Rest, and for the siting of a caravan in connection with the caring of livestock.
The certificate application also sought permission to develop the holding for overnight accommodation in connection with the site’s activities.
Considering the first application, it said the business is a new venture called Daisy Clough Farm – the address given by both applicants – which is in the process of being developed as a small-scale agricultural and equine holding.
The applicant was actively preparing for transition to a fully established farming business through investments, including livestock, and improvements.
In the area around Todmorden agricultural buildings are considered appropriate development and subject to some conditions, including one relating to drainage, it should be permitted, said planners.
One of the conditions is that as the proposal is for a relatively new venture, should the farming business cease to exist and the agricultural storage building not be required for agricultural purposes, it should be removed within six months of it not being used for the agreed purposes and the land returned to its previous use.
The structures the application refers to appear to be from an old shooting range which was on the site, say the officers.
In the case of the application for a lawful development certificate, planners decided information was insufficiently clear and therefore the certificate should not be granted.
The application included statements showing the stable block and a caravan had been there since the 1970s, but planners said they wanted more precision about what lawful use was actually being requested.
Essential repairs were planned for the stable block, said the applicant.