Laurel Farm, Sandy Drove, Lakenheath, IP27 9GT

farm workers self-build dwelling

Authority: West Suffolk
Appeal type: Planning
Procedure: Hearing
Development: agricultural
Postcode: IP27 9GT

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

whether there is an essential need for a rural worker's dwelling at the appeal site
the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the countryside

What decided it

The failure to demonstrate an essential functional need for a full-time rural worker's dwelling at the appeal site.

The moderate weight given to the self-build family benefit and limited weight to security, livestock supervision, landscaping and economic benefits were outweighed by conflict with the development plan's spatial strategy and rural workers' dwelling policy, and by harm to the character and appearance of the countryside.

Framework references: 84, 135

Plan policies cited: Policy SP12, Policy LP15, Policy LP12, Policy SP4, Policy LP9

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What an account adds

Draw a red line around your site and the appraisal follows.
- Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
- Landscape and environment. Green belt, national parks and national landscapes, SSSIs, ancient woodland, SPA, SAC and Ramsar sites, nutrient catchments.
- Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
- Transport. The 800 metre station catchment and service frequency, bus stops with their weekday frequency, the cycle network, and the Framework’s transport tests measured for the site.
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