Date: 30/09/2008
High Peak Borough Council has won a major planning appeal over the proposed retention of a building, allegedly for agricultural purposes, at Lowfoot Farm near Buxton.
The sizeable stone building was constructed without planning permission in 2006, for use as holiday cottages. It was already the subject of a valid enforcement notice, after previous appeals for the site were lost.
The applicants claimed that the building was needed in connection with a proposed beef rearing business; but the Inspector ruled that the size of the building was "substantially disproportionate" to the requirements of the enterprise. He also concluded that the building would "appear awkward and out of place" and would cause "significant harm to the character and appearance of the countryside."
Linda Baldry, Executive Councillor for Planning, said: "We are delighted that the Inspector has supported the Council's case at this appeal."
"This was a large building erected in the countryside without planning permission and its scale far exceeded any agricultural need on the site. We are determined to protect the countryside of High Peak from unnecessary and unsightly buildings such as this."