Change of material to the west facing gable end

Appeal Decision Site visit made on 17 June 2019 by Tim Crouch DipUD MSc MRTPI an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State Decision date: 27 June 2019 Appeal Ref: APP/N1215/D/19/3225889 Milton Farm Cottage, Milton On Stour To Wavering Lane - Road, Milton On Stour, SP8 5PX • The appeal is made under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 against a refusal to grant planning permission. • The appeal is made by Mr & Mrs Moore against the decision of North Dorset District Council. • The application Ref 2/2018/1199/HOUSE, dated 23 August 2018, was refused by notice dated 9 January 2019. • The development proposed is change of material to the west facing gable end. Decision 1. The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for the change of material to the west facing gable end at Milton Farm Cottage, Milton On Stour To Wavering Lane - Road, Milton On Stour, SP8 5PX in accordance with the terms of the application, Ref 2/2018/1199/HOUSE, dated 23 August 2018, and the plans submitted with it, subject to the following conditions: 1) The development hereby permitted shall begin not later than 3 years from the date of this decision. 2) The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: GMA-0123-01 (Existing elevations and floor plans), GMA-0123-02 (Proposed elevations and floor plans), GMA-0123-03 (Location Plan) 3) Prior to the instillation of the cladding, samples of materials to be used in the construction and finish of timber cladding to include a black, painted finish (not stain) shall be made available on site and retained in that location thereafter for the inspection and approval of the Local Planning Authority. Any such samples shall require approval to be obtained in writing from the Local Planning Authority and the development shall thereafter accord with the approved materials. Main Issue 2. The main issue is the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the Milton on Stour Conservation Area. Reasons 3. The Milton on Stour Conservation Area (CA) has a strong rural character derived from a number of modest and substantial detached buildings often set end-on to the road. These are primarily of stone construction, with strong Appeal Decision APP/N1215/D/19/3225889 2 gable features and use of natural materials, such as clay or slate roofing, and some use of timber on secondary elevations and outbuildings. The significance of the CA is therefore as a high quality built environment of rural architectural character. 4. The proposal seeks to add a significant element of horizontal timber cladding to the side elevation of the building. This elevation is not visible in the streetscene, but clearly viewed from the public right of way which passes the property and crosses the field to the rear. 5. Whilst the timber cladding will be a significant feature, it will be set in from the stone piers on the edge of the projection and appear as detailing within the elevation, secondary to the main use of stone in the building. There are a number of examples of horizontal timber cladding used within the CA, with particular appearance upon gable features, including opposite the site. The proposal will reflect this and maintain the rural appearance of the CA and character of the building. 6. Therefore, the proposal would preserve the character and appearance of the Milton on Stour Conservation Area. Consequently, it would not be contrary to policies 4, 5, 24 and 28 of the North Dorset Local Plan Part 1 (2011-2031) or Policy 27 of the Gillingham Neighbourhood Plan (2018). Taken together, and amongst other objectives, these require development to sustain the significance of heritage assets, respond to local context and be no more visually intrusive in the landscape than the existing dwelling. Conditions 7. In addition to the standard time limit condition, a condition is required to ensure that development is carried out in accordance with the approved plans in the interests of certainty. A condition to ensure that the details of the timber and finish to be used are approved is required to ensure an appropriate appearance of the development. Other Matters 8. I note that there are concerns that the cladding could be removed following consent, however the permission is based (and conditioned) on the plans submitted and the materials, upon approval by the Council, to accord with these details thereafter. 9. I note that there are concerns from third parties in relation to biodiversity. I note that the Council did not consider this to be a significant issue in this case. Given the scope of the proposal and no further significant information provided to counter this position, I have no reason to disagree with the Council. Conclusion 10. For the reasons given above, I conclude that the appeal should be allowed subject to conditions. Tim Crouch INSPECTOR