Refused plans to turn an old milking parlour into business space have gone to appeal after the Isle of Wight Council labelled its rural location ‘unsustainable’ for the proposed use.
Earlier this year, County Hall rejected Fred Colson’s application for a conversion of a ‘completely redundant’ former milking shed northwest of Blackgang after an objection from Chale Parish Council (CPC).
Mr Colson’s agent, Plan Research, said national planning policy encourages the re-use of rural buildings in commercial uses, helping to ensure rural communities have the ‘facilities they need to work’.
A submitted statement said:
“It is clear when visiting the site that the agricultural buildings are no longer used as part of an agricultural business, as farming practices have changed.
“If this scheme is not approved, my client can think of no other use for this small building.”
The consultancy also said the office use proposed was compatible with nearby residential uses.
Planners previously said the site is considered ‘unsustainable’ for the proposal, due to it being outside of any settlement boundary, with limited transport options not involving a private motor vehicle.
CPC’s objection letter said its opposition was on the basis that the plan layout and size show the building may be used for purposes other than an office.
