Residential Barn Conversation in South Oxfordshire

Planning permission has been granted for a client in Oxfordshire to convert their agricultural barn into a dwelling. The barn was considered to be a non-designated heritage asset and the site was within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Conservation Target Area and within 15m of Ancient Woodland - so there were numerous designations that had to be overcome as part of the proposal.  

The main issues encountered were highway issues with regard to a net increase in traffic, visibility splays and the width of the access driveway.  The Highway Authority initially raised concerns about the increase in traffic at a sub-standard access, however Bourne Rural Planning Consultancy were able to overcome these concerns.  The Highway Authority then raised concerns about the width of the access driveway which, in usual circumstances, would be easy to overcome.  However, to widen the driveway involved encroaching on designated ancient woodland - which is not usually allowed.  Therefore, an Arboricultural Method Statement had to be submitted together with details of a no dig construction method for the widened driveway to ensure that the roots of nearby trees were not affected.  All these hurdles were overcome and consent granted for the conversion of this delightful barn to a residential unit.  It will certainly make a stunning house!     
 
"It really is great news - and the barn deserves to be given a new lease of life.  It will make the most wonderful home.  I can’t tell you how pleased I am that planning permission was granted. I’m so impressed by the incredible work you put in to this project with Kathryn and very grateful that you never gave up” - Joanna W (Client)

Duncan McKellar of Temple Ford Design produced the drawings for this successful project:  https://www.templeforddesign.co.uk