Ellesmere farm's leisure scheme thrown out

Shropshire Council has objected to the proposal submitted by Steve Jones to build three log cabins at Winston Farm in Tetchill, near Ellesmere.

Mr Jones said he realises the need to diversify to improve the sustainability of the farm and provide an additional income.

But the council's planning bosses say the development is inappropriate in open countryside and the location is unsustainable.

The farm covers 290 acres of owned land, plus a further 400 acres of rented land, used for both arable farming and raising livestock.

The proposed development was to be set away from the farm and screened from the house and farmyard by existing trees. Further planting was proposed to screen the proposed log cabins from the road.

Ellesmere Rural Parish Council supported the application providing conditions were in put place to limit length of occupancy for holiday use only, that ecological requirements and conditions are met, landscaping is put in place to screen the development, and that any exterior lighting is installed will not cause undue pollution.

But a statement on behalf of Shropshire Council says: "The proposal represents inappropriate development in open countryside in an unsustainable location for which no justification has been demonstrated.

"No heritage assessment report was submitted with the application and therefore an accurate assessment cannot be made on the less than substantial harm to the non-designated Llangollen Canal and nearby listed bridge which includes siting, layout, design and proposed materials used in the scheme.

"Local policies seeks to protect, conserve and enhance the asset, avoiding harm or loss to its significance where such harm or loss needs to be balanced against public benefit, which in this case in limited."

In planning documents in support of the application, it states: “Mr Jones wants to offer a unique holiday experience, allowing visitors to relax and escape in this rural setting.

“The proposal will provide additional tourist accommodation in Shropshire, contributing to the local economy.

“Farm diversification is of increasing importance to those with an interest in agriculture and rural communities as a whole.

“With rising uncertainty in farming, diversification offers a way of supplementing incomes and improving the economic viability of a farm business.

“The development will not adversely impact on the landscape; with careful positioning and use of suitable materials the siting of the development will not have a significant impact on the visual of the site and its surroundings."