The barn at Back Shaw Lane in Keighley A PLANNING panel has raised concerns over plans to turn a barn at a rural Keighley site into a four-bedroom house. Bradford Council s District Planning Panel discussed an application to convert the building at Back Shaw Farm, which lies within the Green Belt, into residential at a meeting last week. They heard that changes to planning rules brought in by the Conservative Government in 2013 meant agricultural buildings could be converted into housing without the need for planning permission - even if they lie in protected Green Belt. Instead the work would be allowed under permitted development.
“It is not a particularly attractive building.” Askar Mahmood, speaking on behalf of the applicant, argued that the building did not harm the Green belt, and was not easily visible from the road. He added: “It is no different than an allotment shed - it only takes up a small portion of the site.” He suggested that if needed the shed could be “camouflaged” with grass. He added: “If these plans are refused we would have to put the dogs in a residential area, which would lead to neighbours complaining.” Mr Khan said walking the dogs had proved beneficial to his health, and keeping them was a hobby, not a business.
The sun room that was built withoput planning permission COUNCILLORS have gone against the recommendation of officers and approved plans for an extension to a nine bedroom house. In September Bradford Council received a retrospective planning application for a first floor extension – in the form of a sunroom, at 4 Farcliffe Road. At a meeting on Thursday, planning officers had advised members of the Bradford District Planning Panel to refuse the application, saying the design of the extension was “harmful” to the building’s appearance. A report to members said: “The design and overall appearance of the extension does not complement or enhance the character and appearance of the host dwelling and given the prominent sitting on the dwelling, is considered an over dominant and incongruous structure to the detriment of visual amenity.”