Horseshoe house plan up for appeal
DEVELOPERS who want to build 12 homes – including a horseshoe house – in Downholland are fighting the council’s decision to refuse planning permission.
Emery Planning wants to knock down six farm buildings and convert six more to create the houses at Tanpit Farm on Broad Lane.
A planning application was first submitted in 2017 and was rejected by West Lancashire Borough Council, which was unhappy at the homes being built in a remote location.
The council also revealed concerns over construction taking place on Green Belt land, and a lack of evidence that the buildings needed to be demolished.
Now, Emery has formally appealed against the decision and the case will be referred to the government’s Planning Inspectorate.
The site dates back to the mid19th century and until late 2016 was used as an industrial-scale pig farm.
Among the planned homes, the most eye-catching is a former slurry pit which is intended to be converted into a “contemporary and innovative piece of architecture”.
The original application states:
“By removing one panel and reinforcing the structure, we will form a glazed entrance in to a round horseshoe shaped building that follows the edge of the existing structure and opens to an enclosed wall garden within.”
It later adds: “It is our belief that the proposals set out a sensitive conversion of the existing buildings, that reflects the context and history of the site and provides sustainable housing to be enjoyed for generations to come.
“The use of traditional and modern materials insures interest and high quality finish in all areas, and with Plot 13 we have the opportunity to create a building of truly outstanding architectural merit.
“The proposals help to improve the openness of the greenbelt and help reduce the overall size and scale of the farm and will lessen the visual impact of the whole farmstead on the surrounding area.”
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