The Barn & Equestrian Facilities, Commonmead Lane, Old Sodbury PROFESSIONAL PLANNING APPRAISAL
new planning application (seeking extensions as well as the conversion); will
minimise risk.
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, confirmed by extant
consent ref. PK14/2581/F, but 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.
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