Appeal to turn farmland into vehicle storage rejected

The application by Weybrook Farm in Sherborne St John sought permission for two commercial buildings under flexible use and to convert the agricultural field into a vehicle storage site.

The Gazette previously reported that the plan received objections from a borough councillor and a neighbour who said they were concerned about environmental impact, traffic safety, and adherence to planning regulations.

These plans, 24/01947/FUL, were previously rejected by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, but an appeal was launched in the hope of getting the decision overturned.

View of development from the Adlam family's window (Image: Julie Adlam)

Now, the planning inspectorate has decided that this appeal should be dismissed, citing concerns about the character and appearance of the area, highway safety, living conditions of neighbours in regard to noise and disturbance, flood risk and biodiversity.

The development aimed to support farm diversification, with the proposed site opposite existing commercial units and accessed via the A340.

Planning inspector, D Wilson, visited the site on October 3. In his report, he said: "The proposed development would result in a large area of land being used for open storage and also result in a commercial building which would appear alien in the context of the spacious character and appearance of the area.

"I acknowledge that the outside storage area is only partially visible from public vantage points, however, even such partial views are harmful in the context of the distinctly open and verdant character and appearance of the area.

"The key feature of the National Landscape is its openness, with views possible from the public rights of way that surround the appeal site which gives an appreciation of this openness. For the reasons outlined, the proposed development would erode this openness."

He spoke about the impact on the living conditions of neighbours, saying: "The proposed use is wide ranging and includes outside storage. It is inevitable that such a use would generate noise from comings and goings through deliveries, collections, staff arrivals and departures as well as movements within the site.

"This is likely to be exacerbated due to the proximity of residential properties."

He also concluded that the site would not be guaranteed safe from a risk of flooding.

For these reasons, the appeal was dismissed.