Plans for new barn in open land near Bude rejected

Councillors questioned whether there was a need for it and parish councillors suggested that it was actually for recreational use rather than agricultural, writes Richard Whitehouse, Local Democracy Reporter.

Mr J Mowbray had applied to build the large building on land at Rosecare, St Gennys, near Bude.

Planning officers had recommended that the plans be approved.

However Cornwall Council’s east sub-area planning committee refused permission as they did not feel there was a justified need for the development on a site which is in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) which is protected.

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Michael Bates from St Gennys Parish Council said that councillors objected to the plans, adding: “It is a large building in the AONB on the brow of a hill that would have a detrimental impact on the landscape.”

He added that “there is no economic benefit or environmental benefit to the local community. It is also not a business requirement.”

Local Cornwall councillor Nicky Chopak shared the parish council’s concerns adding: “The use of the barn is not clear, the applicant hasn’t indicated what it is to be used for. It is in a prominent location at the top of the village. I fail to see why this barn needs to be located here.”

Planning officers told the committee that the applicants had said that the barn would be storage of materials and that there was an agricultural need for the building.

Committee member Barry Jordan said he was concerned about what the building was used for claiming that there was already water and electricity connected to the site and said that the site was in open countryside.

John Fitter added: “I have heard nothing today to justify the location of this building. I would say no, the business need has not been made, I will be voting against it.”

The committee agreed to refuse planning permission with six votes in favour and five against.