‘Eyesore’ barn conversion bid to be reconsidered for third time

CAMPAIGNERS PRESSING for action to stop the exodus of young reacted with outrage after a plan to convert a barn into a family home has been sent back to planners again, despite having twice been approved.

Swaledale’s Shoemaker Barn, described by many as an “eyesore” with its expanses of corrugated sheeting, looks set to once again become the focus of a struggle between those wanting to increase housing for young people in the Yorkshire Dales and others wanting to protect the park’s heritage.

Former Richmondshire District Council leader Councillor Yvonne Peacock said she was appalled the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s planning committee would next week be asked to consider whether to grant life-long Swaledale residents Chris and Laura Porter’s ambition of creating a home near Grinton. A plan to convert the barn was approved in 2018, only for it to be rejected later as members were warned by officers that approving the scheme could undermine the authority’s ability to insist developers follow its planning policy. The decision sparked a war of words which rumbled on until a revised scheme by the couple to convert the barn was approved three months ago, against the advice of the authority’s officers.

It was passed on the condition that the converted barn be tied to the landholdings of the farm business as it had been argued the home was essential to enable the couple to tend to animals in winter and spring.

The meeting heard the decision was essential to maintaining the community and the future of hill farming.

However, since the plan was granted, the Porters’ agent said the legal agreement cannot be completed as the land ownership is complex, the farming business does not own any land at all and that they could not compel the various owners to enter into the planning agreement.

The authority’s officers said despite attempts to ease the restriction, the Porters’ agent had said ownership issues would prevent them from completing the agreement, and have asked the planning committee to reconsider if the plan should be approved without the building being tied to the farm business.