Plans to convert agricultural buildings into three houses in Buglawton, which were refused by Cheshire East have been thrown out by a planning inspector.

Mr Heath submitted a change of use application to convert existing agricultural buildings into dwellings at Canalside Farm, Harvey Road, in Buglawton, Congleton.

However, 57 objections were submitted against the development, which would have consisted of one larger dwelling house and two smaller dwelling houses.

Cheshire East refused the application in July 2020. Reasons for objection included impact on social infrastructure, use of bridleway as access, large amount of development within the area already and proximity to Canal Conservation Area.

The appellant provided information from a chartered builder/heritage surveyor confirming that the barn would be "suitable and capable" of being converted to a residential dwelling.

However, the planning inspector felt in the absence of further information or a structural survey, the extent of building operations necessary to achieve that was "unclear".

The planning inspector said: "I do not doubt that a new dwelling could be created that maintained the existing shape and appearance of the existing building, which retained the existing frame alongside a new supporting structure.

"However, significant work would need to be undertaken in order to provide a habitable space.

"The extent to which any of the existing building elements would form part of the new dwelling is unclear, and could be very limited."

In order for the permitted development right to apply under Class Q(b), the development proposed must fall within the concept of a 'conversion' as opposed to a 'rebuild'.

If it does not, the application fails at the first hurdle and does not constitute permitted development.

The planning inspector concluded: "Consequently, I find that the works necessary to effect the change of use from the existing timber barn to a residential dwelling would not fall within the provisions of Class Q(b), so would not be permitted development.

"Although the two smaller blockwork buildings may be capable of conversion, the proposed scheme includes all three structures, so the scheme as a whole fails."