Conversion of listed Barn gets the Green Light

Enlightened Ashford  Borough Council Planning Committee Members overturned a recommendation for refusal for the conversion of a splendid C18th barn to a dwelling on residential amenity grounds. Now a Grade II listed barn can be repaired and brought back into use after years of opposition from Ashford Borough Council's planners and conservation officers.  

Every possible hurdle was placed in the way of the applicants. And every hurdle was thoroughly addressed with the case being referred to as a well considered and informed submission. But the sticking point was the distance between the front of the old farmhouse and the barn and vice versa. A one-size-fits-all approach to applying 'guide' distances was taken a stretch too far. 

Cllr Neil Bell, ward member for Biddenden spoke eloquently in favour of the proposal. The applicant also addressed members and the vote went in favour of granting subject to a legal agreement being entered into. 

Eimear's role was to work with the Agent and produce supporting statements on planning, heritage significance and design & access. 

Obviously the owners are delighted and commented   ' …. we couldn't have done it without you & Chris. But it was a nail biter.'