PPA | The Barn, Commonmead Lane, Old Sodbury, BS37 6FF

The Barn & Equestrian Facilities, Commonmead Lane, Old Sodbury PROFESSIONAL PLANNING APPRAISAL

4.8 The Council applies the National Space Standards for new dwellings, and these

would need to be adhered to (see the Technical Requirements as well as the

GIA/storage requirements in Table 1).

4.9 The site has existing trees/hedgerows, thus, there could be potential for wildlife

within the wider site and previous reporting has already identified bats in relation to

the barn. As such, any future planning application for redevelopment (aside from

the barn conversion) would most likely need to be accompanied by an Extended

Phase 1 Ecological Survey by a qualified ecologist. Depending on the results of the

Phase 1 survey, other protected species surveys may be required. Preliminary

assessments can take place at any time; however, protected species and bat

activity/emergence surveys can only take place between April and October with

May – August being the optimal survey period. Consultation with an ecologist at an

early stage would be advised to ascertain the works required and any potential

mitigation measures that may be necessary. Planning permission for

redevelopment cannot be granted in advance of the survey results.

4.10 There is also a footpath in the middle of the site running east-west, linking from

Commonmead Lane, across the site, to fields to the east of the site. It can be seen

on Google Earth maps and Streetview images labelled as “Frome Valley Walkway”.

This may be a Public Right of Way or similar (the definitive Council map will need to

be checked) that may need to be considered as part of any plans.

5. DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL

5.1 The site has good potential to deliver a barn conversion with additional extensions

to increase the resulting residential floor space.

5.2 The northern section of the site can continue to provide a role as a site for equestrian

use complete with stables and ancillary facilities.

5.3 The northern section of the site also has some limited potential for alternative uses,

which will first need to be explored through further detailed survey work and

reporting. These alternatives include (in order of potential planning difficulty): -

9 | P a g e

Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter