Proposed extension to the agricultural shed at Raginnis Farm Mousehole Planning and Access Statement and Flood Risk Assessment 17 May 2021 Peggy Rickaby BA Dip Arch RIBA Chartered Architect Milldowns Cottage Ladydowns Newmill Penzance TR20 8UZ Telephone 01736 796952 e-mail [email protected] 1 Introduction 1.1 Raginnis Farm is on the west side of the settlement of Raginnis which is just under a kilometre south west of Mousehole, the OS grid reference is SW4648 2584, the postcode of a nearby property is TR19 6NJ. 1.2 The modern shed which is to be extended is within the boundary of the farm complex and to the west and north of existing relatively modern framed farm buildings. 1.3 The site lies within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Heritage Coast and a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ). None of the immediately surrounding buildings are Listed. 2 Planning History 2.1 The existing shed was approved under Planning consent number PA17/07699 dated 10 October 2017. 3 Proposals 3.1 The Applicants wish to build an extension against the south gable of their existing shed. 3.2 This statement should be read in conjunction with architect’s drawing numbers THMT 5. 7, 8 and 9. The existing shed 4 Justification for the proposals. 4.1 The Applicants are well established local farmers with a total of about 1100 acres (445 hectares) in West Penwith including 510 acres (200 hectares) at Raginnis and the neighbouring Halwyn, Kemyell and Trevelloe Farms, they have dairy and beef herds as well as arable land. They raise over 300 young stock at Raginnis and Kemyell and need more space for winter housing. 4.2 Climate change is bringing wetter winters and stormier weather and the Applicants often have to bring their stock under cover for longer in the winter months to protect the surrounding pasture and to prevent damage to the fields particularly at the gateways. 4.3 The proposed extension will give room in the shed for about 40 young or beef stock, by housing the animals at a relatively low density their health and general welfare will be improved. 4.4 The cattle will be straw bedded which means there is no need for slurry storage, the resulting dung can be stored on the land close to the shed and then spread on the Applicants’ fields between February and October as dictated by NVZ regulations. 4.5 The proposed extension is based on a steel portal frame construction, the roof will be finished with corrugated fibrous cement sheets with some matching profile clear acrylic sheets to give natural light, the walls will be clad with vertical tantalised timber Yorkshire boarding with ventilation gaps above precast concrete panels, all to match the existing. All these materials are commonly used in the area for similar buildings and are a neutral colour to blend with the surrounding countryside. Vertical tantalised boarding above pre-cast concrete panels Natural grey fibrous cement roofing sheets 4.6 The proposed extension will not extend the limits of the existing farmstead into surrounding fields. It does not include the removal of or disturbance to any Cornish hedges or other archaeological features. 4.7 The proposals are in accordance with local and national polices to encourage farming whilst protecting the natural environment. 4.8 The shed is on the west side of Raginnis separated from the houses by the existing farm buildings. It will not overshadow nor block views for any of the houses or private gardens. 4.9 The proposals will not affect the public footpath which runs up the far side of the hedge to the east of the building. 4.10 The site and the surrounding farm land are leased by the Applicants, the owners are fully aware of the proposals and will be formally advised of the application through a Notice under Article 13. 5 Access 5.1 The existing farm access track which runs north off the Castallack to Mousehole road between the existing farm buildings to serve the existing shed will be protected and retained. 5.2 The proposed shed is open fronted on the east side with feeding troughs between the structural posts forming gates to contain the cattle, this separation will be continued along the east elevation of the proposed extension. There are pairs of gates on both gable ends of the existing shed, the north elevation will be retained as existing and the south gable of the extension will repeat the south gable of the existing shed with galvanised metal double gates. 5.3 There is sufficient off-road parking for visitors and staff around the existing farm buildings. 6 Flood Risk 6.1 The site does not lie within any flood risk areas as identified by the Environment Agency or Cornwall Council. 6.2 The building is surrounded by land farmed by the Applicants. 6.3 Rainwater will be run to the existing surface water drain close to fence on the west side. 6.4 The existing hardstanding areas around the shed will be retained, they are finished with stone scalpings so there will be no rain water run-off which could threaten land owned by others. .