This meeting will see the Southern Area Planning Committee consider five planning applications for determination, as well as receive an update on planning appeals in Wiltshire. The committee will also be asked to approve the minutes of its previous meeting, held on Thursday 14 November 2024.

PL/2022/00839 - Farmer Giles Farmstead, Teffont

This application seeks to vary condition 2 (demolition of buildings) of planning permission PL/2021/11405, which permitted the erection of a new dwelling at Farmer Giles Farmstead subject to the removal of a number of existing farm buildings. The applicant, Mr Tony Deane, now wishes to retain one of the barns, originally planned for demolition, to provide storage for the equestrian uses on the site.

The site, which is situated outside of the Teffont Conservation Area and lies within the Cranbourne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), formerly hosted the Farmer Giles Farmstead visitor attraction, now closed. The officer's report notes that views of the barn are limited, and that in return for retaining it, the applicant has offered to give up existing permitted development rights that allow for additional agricultural buildings to be erected.

The officer concludes that the proposal to revoke the permitted development rights for further agricultural buildings at the site is considered to be of added benefit to the landscape and the AONB generally . The report recommends that the application be approved.

PL/2024/07428 (FULL) & PL/2024/07589 (LBC) - Howards House Hotel, Teffont Evias

This application seeks full planning permission and listed building consent for the erection of a single storey orangery to the south elevation of Howards House Hotel. The orangery would provide additional dining space, increasing covers from 20 to 60. The application, submitted by Dr Richard Keating, also proposes the creation of a new 14-space car park on land opposite the hotel, which sits within Teffont Magna & Evias Conservation Area and the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs National Landscape.

The application has been called in by the local ward member because of the potential impact of the development on the surrounding area. The officer's report notes the strong concerns expressed by several households in the vicinity of the site , but that 22 letters of support had been received.

The report includes the conservation officer's objection to the development:

The proposal to add an extension to the southern elevation would have a significant impact on the character of one’s experience of the building, both from inside and out...It is considered that building across the whole of the ground floor of this elevation would cause a significant level of harm to the character and significance of the building.

The report goes on to say that officers concur with the views of the conservation officer . It notes the applicant's argument that there are public benefits that clearly outweigh any harm to the heritage assets , but concludes:

The Council however consider that the harm caused to the listed building and its setting is to a degree that the benefits of the proposals do not outweigh the harm and therefore the development cannot be supported.

The report recommends that both applications be refused.

PL/2024/05013 - Strukta Trade Store at 13 Edison Road, Salisbury

This application seeks a part change of use of the Strukta Trade Store to incorporate a members-only retail club called Campus & Co. The retail club would have a net sales area of 300 square metres, operate 24 hours a day, and provide goods for sale to members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC) only.

The applicant, Mr B Diffey, has submitted a retail sequential test and impact assessment, concluding that there are currently no alternative town centre sites where the development could be located and that the proposal would not undermine the viability and vitality of the city centre . The application has been called in by the local councillor, who feels that existing planning policy does not necessarily rule out such a use at this location.

However, the officer's report includes objections from the council's Inward Investment Manager and Senior Planning Policy Officer, who argue that the development could lead to a loss of valuable employment space, contrary to strategic objectives and that approving this could set a precedent for other retail applications in industrial areas, potentially leading to a loss of employment space and undermining Churchfield’s economic function, character and viability .

The report states that a proposed planning condition restricting who can shop at the premises is not considered to be reasonable or enforceable and concludes that the potential benefits would not outweigh the loss of part of a B8 unit . It recommends that the application be refused.

PL/2024/03228 - The Homestead, Sutton Hill, Sutton Mandeville

This application seeks full planning permission for the erection of an agricultural storage building on land adjacent to The Homestead. The single-storey building would be used for the storage of agricultural machinery and have an internal area of 39.3 square metres. The applicant, Ms E Lodge, is also seeking permission for the installation of a solar array at the same site under a separate application (PL/2024/03227).

The application has been called in by the local ward member because of concerns raised by the parish council and local residents. The officer's report notes Sutton Mandeville Parish Council's objection to the development, which is based on their belief that the building is not needed.

The site is located within the Cranborne Chase AONB, and the report includes comments from the conservation officer, who states that There is no objection in principle if there is proven need for the building . The officer recommends that conditions be applied to ensure that the building is constructed from acceptable materials, that planting is provided to screen the building, and to prevent light pollution. The report recommends that planning permission be granted.

PL/2024/03227 - The Homestead, Sutton Hill, Sutton Mandeville

This application seeks full planning permission for the installation of a ground mounted solar array and associated works on land adjacent to The Homestead. The solar array would have an output of 33KW and be used to heat the swimming pool at the property, which was granted planning permission in 2023, as well as serve other domestic needs.

The applicant, Ms E Lodge, has submitted a revised scheme in response to concerns raised by the parish council and local residents about the visual impact of the development. The officer's report notes these concerns but states that The National Landscape Partnership has not objected to the revised scheme . The report recommends that conditions be applied to ensure that adequate screening is provided, that the height of the solar panels is limited, and to prevent light pollution. It recommends that planning permission be granted.