In 2022 Acorus were approached by a Norfolk pig farmer who wanted to obtain planning permission for a dwelling on his site in order to support his outdoor pig breeding unit as well as a proposed cattle enterprise in a recently erected barn. However, it was identified that the barn had been erected under permitted development rights, which have a restriction on housing livestock if within 400 metres of dwellings, which the subject barn was. Therefore, the first step was to essentially reapply for the already permitted barn, under full planning, as a livestock building so that the cattle enterprise as proposed could take place, before using it to support the need for the dwelling.
An initial outline application was then made for a dwelling, setting out the necessary justification as to why it was required to support the agricultural enterprise. This was refused due to concerns over proposed siting, and also the requirement for further ecological information. However, the essential need for a dwelling on site was accepted. Knowing the issues and having had discussions with the planning officer to get an agreement on siting and ecology, a re-application was made with full designs, produced by Acorus, for the proposed dwelling. Subject to some minor amendments during the process the proposal was agreed, and permission was granted. There were a number of conditions which Acorus helped to discharge. Acorus also produced the necessary building regulations package.
The client wanted a new build dwelling which looked like a traditional-looking barn conversion. This meant a red brick plinth, timber black horizontal boarding and red pantile roof. Large areas of glass represented the traditional barn-door openings, which enhance the living area inside with lots of natural light and fantastic views over the meadows. The dwelling has 3 bedrooms, a large open-plan living area with a wood burner and a small private snug. As well as plenty of storage areas and a large utility and w/c for use by the farm workers.
The dwelling is now complete, with happy clients enjoying their new home, while being able to serve the requirements of the agricultural enterprise by being on site.
