Plans to turn an old milking parlour into business space have sparked opposition from Isle of Wight local councillors.
Fred Colson’s proposed conversion of a ‘completely redundant’ former milking shed northwest of Blackgang has prompted an objection by Chale Parish Council (CPC) due to concerns over how the building might be used.
Small dairy farm buildings are left unused in many rural locations around the Island or are now used for other purposes, according to a Design and Access Statement from Plan Research.
It said:
“This small former milking shed is completely redundant for contemporary agriculture, which needs larger buildings for the equipment now used.
“The Old Milking Shed building isn’t considered suitable for a tourism use, so our client is proposing the use of the building as a small office for a rural business.
“Our proposal is for a use that would be compatible with the existing lawful residential uses on the site, and the uses of the other buildings.”
However, a CPC spokesperson said:
“CPC objects to this application on the basis that the plan, layout and size indicate that this building may be used for purposes other than an office.”
The Isle of Wight Council’s public consultation on application 26/00254/FUL ends on 27th March and a decision is expected on 20th April.
