Low Hall Farm, Hunton barn conversion approved by council

Located about 200 metres from Hunton, the barn at Low Hall Farm is to be repurposed into three commercial units.

The structure, originally used for livestock, will undergo minimal structural modification, ensuring its transformation aligns with planning policies and permitted development guidelines.

A steel-framed building with low-level blockwork walls, timber cladding on upper walls, and a well-maintained fibre cement roof, proposals will see some external changes made.

These modifications include the replacement of timber cladding with metal cladding in "Juniper Green", and some front and rear openings will be filled with concrete panels.

(Image: Google)

Existing entry points and steel structures will be adapted to include roller shutters and personnel doors.

These alterations are aimed at maintaining minimal visual change to the building’s facade.

The proposed change of use for the building is not expected to negatively impact the local economy or nearby residential amenities.

The application, submitted by Susan Barnett and represented by agent Lee Wardman from Wardman Brown, Darlington, falls under permitted development rights for Class B2 (General Industrial) and Class B8 (Storage and Distribution).

The future uses of the building could potentially include hotels, shops or offices, and outdoor recreation as per general permitted development guidelines.

Since the barn has been solely used for agricultural purposes since July 2012, it meets the requirements for a change of use.

In terms of traffic and highways impact, the existing access route will be used, and no increase in traffic is expected.

Noise is anticipated to be minimal, thanks to a landscaped noise-reduction bund and internal concrete panels.

The site is located outside designated flood zones and poses no contamination risk.

The project must begin within three years, by November 6, 2027, complying with North Yorkshire Council's standards for site access and public highways.