Proposal for barn conversion of The Dutch Barn, Southwell Road, Lowdham

Plans to convert a barn and existing stable into residential use has been recommended for refusal.

The proposal is to change the use of a barn at The Dutch Barn at Southwell Road, Lowdham.

It seeks to create a new dwelling and demolish former stables to construct a garage and garden store in its place.

The site, which is in the greenbelt, is part of a bundle of former farm buildings.

To the south-west there is a building forming the main retail part of Gonalston Farm Shop, currently out of use after a fire.

To the north-east there is a farmhouse building used for bed and breakfast accommodation.

Beyond the rear boundary of the site lies the car park belonging to the farm shop and then open fields.

Planning officers at Newark and Sherwood District Council have recommended the application be rejected.

They said the development fails to meet the National Planning Policy Framework. It would comprise a new build, rather than a re-use, by virtue of the amount of construction required to enable a house to be provided on site.

The application was supported by Lowdham Parish Council.

It will be decided by the council’s planning committee tomorrow.