Former chicken shed could be turned into seven homes

A former chicken shed on an east Herefordshire farm could be turned into seven homes.

The plan has been submitted by Mr C Parker who recently took over the building at Wells Farm, Cradley.

His application is to establish whether the proposal is permitted under so-called permitted development rights, which allow for certain changes of use to a property without the need for full planning permission.

A plan was put forward in 2010 to convert a former poultry building on the farm, covering 1,320 square metres, into four small business units, as well as demolishing two others.

A later application, approved in February 2019, gave permission to convert the building once more, into a “large luxury holiday lodge” with 34 beds and communal facilities.

But work on this plan has yet to start, the latest application says.

It says the building meets the rules for permitted development, as it is currently vacant, having ceased to be in agricultural use some time ago, and served in the intervening time as a business premises.

Given its recent history, there would be no issues with transport, parking, noise or fire safety, the application says.

The homes “would all exceed the minimum space standard requirement”, while each habitable room in the development (that is, excluding bathrooms, utility rooms and hallways) would have at least one window or roof light, it adds.

Comments on the application, numbered 221884 , can be made until July 8.