ITPAS - White's Farm

White's Farm

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November 2006

A view of the new business venture on this designated area

Strict guidelines are put in place by the local authority when it comes to planning applications, particularly when in areas of special conservation and preservation needs. Anyone who lives or runs a business within the boundaries of these areas, only knows too well what will happen should they breach the rules and regulations and to that end most people do their utmost to operate within the law of the land. Such people will quite naturally be only too dismayed when a local business man sets up shop - basically, without asking ANYONE!

The general disillusionment is exacerbated when an organisation such as ITPAS writes to the local authority (as we did some months ago) and gets no response! Such occurrences do happen, but not always. We have written about other issues and seen fairly swift action by the planning department. Such incidences are being collated and will be subject of a further complaint in the future. Anyway, 'White's Farm'....

Historically, local resident Mr. G. White made application for this structure in December 2001 (Planning application No. 20017351 refers or click here to view the details). This application was quite rightly refused in January 2002.

However, as expected, an amended application was submitted in April 2002 (Planning application No.20025752) and even though nobody could see much difference from the first, this was (as expected!!) approved in June 2002. To view these plans click here.

Our point is, that despite initial objection from a number of Societies such as ourselves and local residents, the application was approved for "agricultural Storage". Only too often we see such building develop into residential or industrial use over time. Here we have our initial concerns proved to be correct as the building changes use without ANY planning permission whatsoever. To add to the situation, a good proportion of a nearby field has been tarmaced as a car park (currently an old fire engine pound!) and judging by local advertising and literature a good portion of what is being sold will be imported from beyond this "farm".

Finally, as most ITPAS members will be aware, this area of land is designated as 'Land of Special Scenic Value'. It also lies close to a 'Conservation Area' and land designated 'Site of Special Scientific Interest'. I think you see where we are coming from!

At the time of writing, we are led to believe that enforcement action is to be taken, but ITPAS has not yet received direct correspondence. We will vigorously pursue this matter until satisfactory response and action is conducted by the Planning Department as would be the case with all other land owners and residents infringing the planning laws.

UPDATE MAY 2007

We have now been informed by the planning department that Mr. White has been served with an enforcement notice to make right the following points

	To permanently remove the area of hard standing and after its removal to reinstate the land to its former condition
	To permanently remove the wooden decking area and roof attached to the side of the building
	To permanently remove the UPVC double glazing fitted into all levels of the 'Agricultural Storage' building!
	Permanently cease the retail business being carried out at the site

Whilst we welcome the strong stance quite rightly being taken in this matter, we are however led to believe that as only could be expected, Mr. White has appealed - and is allowed to continue trading until the appeal is resolved.

UPDATE OCTOBER 2007

We are led to believe that when the original appeal was made, a cheque from the applicant failed to clear! The Inspectorate from Bristol who were due to hear the appeal this coming December have now said that the appeal cannot be heard due to the legalities of the process not being satisfied!

We will try to ascertain all the facts on this issue, but our current understanding is that much of the above factors will now have to be invoked as Mr. White cannot make a retrospective planning application!

A hearing for December still stands and if it goes ahead, ITPAS will be making representations about the so called 'Farm Shop'.

UPDATE DECEMBER 07

On Tuesday 4th December 2007, the appeal hearing commenced in respect of the ongoing development at "White's Farm". A representation by Mr White's Barrister for an adjournment was made due to a hospital appointment of Mr White.

Nonetheless, The Planning Inspector conducted a site visit, which in our opinion could only have been a good thing.

Whilst we would have preferred the hearing to go ahead, this adjournment will of course give ITPAS more time to continue monitoring the site and gather further evidence of the continued breach of planning laws.

The new date was thankfully set on the day and will now be Friday 7th March 2008.

We shall ultimately provide a full article and a video on all the issues to ITPAS members, but at this moment in time, we will be reporting very little to save prejudicing the hearing in March. There is much to be said and the reasons why we are so keen to see this through WILL become apparent to all. Thank you for your patience.

Click here to go to the 2008 article

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