DELEGATED ITEM REPORT

Description of Development: New roof gablets and windows. New roof to outbuilding.

Application Number: P File Number: NP/CEC/0620/0478 6949

Planning Case Officer: Signature: DH

Authorised by: Signature: JK

Date of Authorisation: 24 August 2020

National Guidance: NPPF & NPPG

Core Strategy Policies: GSP1, GSP2, GSP3, CC1, DS1, L1

Local Plan Policies: DMC3, DMH7 & DMH8

List of Background Papers (not previously published) Nil

Human Rights

Any human rights issues have been considered and addressed in the preparation of this report.

Report:

Site and Surroundings

Bowstone Gate Farm is in open countryside 2km to the north-west of , 725m west of Higher Lane. The property is not listed but is on the Authority’s historic buildings and monuments records as an early example of an historic farmstead dating from at least the late 19th century and probably older. The farm is therefore a non0designated heritage asset.

There is the remaining shaft of Saxon landmarks or boundary markers situated beside the entrance to the property which are a protected Scheduled Ancient Monument known as the Bowstones.

A public right of way to the south-west is approximately 40m from the dwelling.

The site comprises the two storey house and attached single storey flat-roofed outbuildings, a further outbuilding with shallow mono-pitch roof is close by.

The nearest neighbouring properties are Handley Barn Farm 730m to the north-east and Browside Farm 640m to the south-east.

Proposal

The submitted proposal was for alterations to the existing dwelling, comprising the raising of the existing first floor window openings on the front elevation to just above eaves level and incorporating them into eaves dormer gablets. The new opening would be fitted with new timber frames. Additionally an existing flat roofed store would be altered with the provision of a pitched roof clad with artificial concrete ‘lookalike stone slates’.

Key Issues

The key issues are whether the proposed alterations have an adverse effect on the character and appearance of the dwelling or its setting. Also, whether the proposals raise any amenity issues upon the dwelling itself, any neighbouring properties, or the wider area within which it sits.

Relevant Planning History

2019 – Advice was sought under enquiry reference 35604 regarding renovations to the property including re-roofing, the removal of render to reveal the natural stonework, replacement windows in timber, and the installation of a ground source heat pump.

2019 - Enquiry 36396 was submitted regarding a two storey extension and enlargement of window openings at ground floor level. Officer advice was that a rear extension would be situated in open countryside rather than in residential garden land, and would therefore not conserve and enhance the valued landscape character of the area, there are various other areas of the site where development is likely to be acceptable.

2020 – Another enquiry, reference 38438, was received regarding various alterations. Officer advice was that upgrading the windows was acceptable but the introduction of a bow window to the gable was not acceptable. The proposed dormers are not a traditional feature in the national park and therefore not acceptable, however, it was acknowledged that the property at the bottom of the access lane has gablets, therefore in this instance there may be an argument for more subdued gablets but with mortared verges and no barge board.

Consultation

Cheshire County Council (Highway Authority): No highway/transport implications.

Cheshire East Council: No response to date.

Lyme Handley Parish Meeting: No response to date.

PDNPA Archaeology: No archaeological comments or concerns.

Representations

During the consultation period, the Authority has not received any representations regarding the proposed development.

Policy

National Park designation is the highest level of landscape designation in the UK. The Environment Act 1995 sets out two statutory purposes for national parks in and Wales:  Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage  Promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of national parks by the public When national parks carry out these purposes they also have the duty to: Seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the national parks.

National Planning Policy Framework

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which was revised February 2019, is considered to be a material consideration which carries particular weight where a development plan is absent, silent or relevant policies are out of date. In the National Park the development plan comprises the Authority’s Core Strategy 2011 and development management policies in the National Park Local Plan (Part 2) 2019. Policies in the Development Plan provide a clear starting point consistent with the National Park’s statutory purposes for the determination of this application. It is considered that in this case there is no significant conflict between prevailing policies in the Development Plan and more recent Government guidance in the NPPF.

Paragraph 172 of the NPPF states that ‘great weight should be given to conserving and enhancing landscape and scenic beauty in National Parks, the Broads and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which have the highest status of protection in relation to these issues. The conservation and enhancement of wildlife and cultural heritage are also important considerations in all these areas, and should be given great weight in National Parks and the Broads.’

Peak District National Park Core Strategy

Policy GSP1 sets out the broad strategy for achieving the National Park’s objectives having regard to the Sandford Principle, (that is, where there are conflicting desired outcomes in achieving national park purposes, greater priority must be given to the conservation of the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area, even at the cost of socio-economic benefits). GPS1 also sets out the need for sustainable development and to avoid major development unless it is essential, and the need to mitigate localised harm where essential major development is allowed.

Policy GSP3 sets out development management principles and states that all development must respect, conserve and enhance all valued characteristics of the site and buildings, paying particular attention to, amongst other elements, impact on the character and setting of buildings, scale of the development appropriate to the character and appearance of the National Park, design in accordance with the National Park Authority Design Guide and impact on living conditions of communities.

Policy L1 identifies that development must conserve and enhance valued landscape character and valued characteristics, and other than in exceptional circumstances, proposals in the Natural Zone will not be permitted. L3 states that development must conserve and where appropriate enhance the setting, including statutory designations of importance or special interest.

Policy DS1 sets out what types of development are acceptable within the National Park.

CC1 requires all development to make the most efficient and sustainable use of land, buildings and natural resources to achieve the highest possible standards of carbon reductions.

Local Plan Development Management Policies

Policy DMC3 states that where development is acceptable in principle, it will be permitted provided that its detailed treatment is of a high standard that respects, protects and where possible enhances the natural beauty, quality and visual amenity of the landscape, including the wildlife and cultural heritage that contribute to the distinctive sense of place. Particular attention will be paid to siting, scale, form, mass, levels, height and orientation in relation to existing buildings, settlement form and character, and the degree to which buildings and their design, details, materials and finishes reflect or complement the style and traditions of the locality as well as other valued characteristics of the area.

DMH7 deals with extensions and alterations to dwellings. It states that extensions and alterations to dwellings will be permitted provided that the proposal does not: (i) detract from the character, appearance or amenity of the original building, its setting or neighbouring buildings; or (ii) dominate the original dwelling particularly where it is a designated or non- designated heritage asset; or (iii) amount to the creation of a separate independent dwelling; or (iv) create an

adverse effect on, or lead to undesirable changes to the landscape or any other valued characteristic.

DMH8 relates to new outbuildings and alterations and extensions to existing outbuildings in the curtilage of dwelling houses. It states that they will be permitted provided the scale, mass, form and design conserves and enhances the site and valued characteristics of the adjacent built environment and/or the landscape.

Supplementary Guidance

The PDNPA has a Supplementary Planning Document (Detailed Design Guide) for alterations and extensions which includes advice on ancillary buildings. Assessment

Principle of the Development

Core Strategy policy DS1 states that, in principle, extensions and alterations to dwellings, including ancillary buildings in domestic curtilages buildings, in the National Park are supported by the Authority provided that they are of a suitable design, scale, form and massing and do not raise any amenity issues upon the dwelling itself or any neighbouring properties.

Design

New roof to store

The plans show the existing flat roofed outbuilding to be re-roofed with a dual pitch roof with the walls built up in block and render to match the rest of the store.in. The proposed roofing material is a concrete copy of traditional stone slates which match the roofing materials which have been used in the fairly recent re-roofing of the main house. The pitch would match that of the nearby porch and gable of the house. The linking structure would remain flat roofed thereby giving a degree of visual separation from the house. The proposal gives the larger ancillary building a more traditional massing which is in line with policy DMH8 and guidance in the Authority’s SPD

First floor window alterations and gablets

The existing window frames to the south front of the house have three lights, with a top opening upper section in the central light and are clearly not original. The proposed new frames are to be double glazed timber units in the same three panels but having a central horizontal glazing bar to give a more traditional design. Although originally the openings would likely have had stone mullions these have been long lost and so the current proposed frames would represent a modest enhancement over the existing. They are proposed to be painted grey which is not an appropriate colour for traditional historic farmstead properties in the National Park which would have been painted white or off white. If permission were to be granted then we would suggest a condition covering the use of a white finish and an appropriate recess for the frames back from the outer wall face.

Currently however, the first floor windows are set low within the room which is the local tradition on historic farm cottages like this. The applicant wishes to raise these so the proposal is to introduce eaves gablets above the two first floor windows so that the two first floor openings on the south elevation can be raised from 510mm above the floor to 820mm above floor level. Throughout most of the National Park gablets are not a traditional feature and the Peak District National Park Building Design expressly states “their use will not normally be accepted. Where they do occur however, they are usually a continuation of a wall face and have a gabled roof”. Whilst it is acknowledged that there are some examples in the vicinity of later dormer window additions on properties including at Cock Knoll and Hill View House which are situated, along the access lane to the site, these are outside the National Park and their history is not known. In any case the current proposal must be determined on its own merits. Although we recognise the window frames and new roof to the store bring welcome enhancements to the property, it is considered that the proposed eaves gablets and raising of the window openings would introduce

features which are neither part of the historic farmstead or the local building tradition and would harm the character and appearance of this non-designated heritage asset. This aspect of the proposal is not acceptable and therefore following discussions with the applicant, rather than refuse the whole application given the re-roofing of the store is acceptable and work they wish to proceed with it is concluded reasonable to omit the gablets/window opening raising by planning condition whilst granting permission for the remaining roofing of the store.

The proposed alterations, with the exception of the gablet features, do not detract from the character or appearance of the existing dwelling or its setting. Therefore, it is concluded that the amended proposal would meet the requirements of the Authority’s SPD on extensions and alterations, the Design Guide and policies GSP3, DMC3 and DMH7.

Sustainability

The new windows are to be locally made timber double glazed units which will improve the thermal efficiency of the dwelling in line with policy CC1.

Amenity Impacts

Due to the location and nature of the amended proposal which will bring a modest enhancement there are no concerns about any detrimental effect upon the character and appearance of the property, its setting, or the wider area. Nor, due to intervening distances, would there be any adverse impact on the amenities of neighbouring properties. It is therefore considered that the proposals comply with the requirements of GSP3, DMC3, DMH7, DMH8 and national planning policy.

Environmental Impacts

By virtue of the proposed scale, location and nature of the proposed development, it is considered that an environmental impact assessment is not required.

Conclusions

The proposed alteration to the store roof are welcome enhancement using matching material which will enhance the property. There are no highway or amenity concerns and therefore, now that the harmful gablet and window alterations are exclude by condition it is considered that the amended scheme complies with the requirements of GSP3, DMC3, DMH7, DMH8, national planning policy as well as the Design Guide and our SPD on Alterations and Extensions to dwellings.

The proposals are therefore recommended for approval subject to conditions securing compliance with the plans and design details.

Recommendation:

The application is recommended for conditional approval subject to the following conditions or modifications:

 Statutory time limit;  Development in complete accordance with the submitted plans, received by the Authority 3 June 2020 subject to the following further amendment; 1. Notwithstanding what is shown on the plans, the gablets and window opening raising shall be omitted  All new stonework shall be stone to match the existing, and laid, coursed and pointed to match the existing;  The new pitched roof shall be clad with slate to match the existing;  Verge detail  New windows shall be recessed minimum of 75mm or the same depth as existing whichever is the greater.