'Inappropriate' plan to demolish chicken sheds and build house on Yorkshire greenbelt land

Plans to demolish chicken sheds to build a house on green belt farmland have been deemed ‘inappropriate’.

Councillors are expected to follow a recommendation to turn down proposals to build the residental property next to Manor Farm, near Thorpe Audlin, in Pontefract.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The scheme, which involves flattening the agricultural buildings to make way for a three-bedroom house off Causeway Garth Lane, has divided opinion in the village.

Ten people have objected to development at the site, with some residents claiming it would set a precedent for further building in the area.

Planning have recommended that a plan to demolish chicken sheds at farmland in Thorpe Audlin to build a house be refused.Planning have recommended that a plan to demolish chicken sheds at farmland in Thorpe Audlin to build a house be refused.
Planning have recommended that a plan to demolish chicken sheds at farmland in Thorpe Audlin to build a house be refused.

Others claim it would lead to noise and disruption from construction vehicles and create traffic dangers. Those opposed to the plan also said access to the site should be from Watchit Hole Lane.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The scheme has received nine comments of support, including one from local councillor Allan Garbutt.

Residents in favour said it would bring the site back into use and would not have a significant impact on the green belt as it is already surrounded by residential dwellings. It is also claimed the property would provide “much-need housing in the area.”

A planning statement submitted on behalf of the applicant said the site had recently been used for housing chickens and was close to around 20 homes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The document adds: “Although located within the green belt (it) does not function as such. It is clear that this part of Thorpe Audlin forms a coherent part of the settlement and is clearly different in nature to the wider agricultural land surrounding Thorpe Audlin.”

Recommending the scheme for refusal, a planning officer’s report said the proposal did not meet the “very special circumstances” required to allow development in the green belt.

The council’s planning and highway committee is expected to vote on the scheme at a meeting on Thursday (October 17).

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.