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**Hawthorn Hart Land Application**
The Cherwell District Council has received an application for a new building on Hawthorn Hart Land, in Wroxton Lane, Horley. The plans, submitted by applicants listed as Mr and Mrs Apps, propose the use of the barn for various purposes, including animal food storage, animal welfare, farm machinery storage, and security.
Animal food storage
Farm machinery storage
Animal welfare
Security
The application also seeks retrospective permission for two specific features: a stock pen surfaced with compacted stone, and a mobile animal shelter. In its planning papers, the council notes that the application is a resubmission of a withdrawn application from 2023. The original application was withdrawn due to significant objections from the Environment Agency, which were deemed too difficult to resolve during the application process.
Key aspects of the application
Details
Animal food storage
The proposed barn will provide storage for animal food, ensuring that the farm remains self-sufficient.
Farm machinery storage
The barn will also serve as a storage facility for farm machinery, allowing for efficient management and maintenance of the farm equipment.
Animal welfare
The application includes provision for animal welfare, including the use of a mobile animal shelter and a stock pen surfaced with compacted stone.
Security
The barn will also provide a secure storage facility for farm equipment and supplies, ensuring the safety and security of the farm.
The new position of the barn is further from the road and any dwellings, which means it will be less visible from the road and any adjacent dwellings. The council notes that the proposed barn will be designed to meet the highest environmental standards, with the use of sustainable drainage systems, including a rainwater soakaway and rainwater harvesting. A small area of rolled hoggin (permeable) hardstanding is also proposed immediately outside of the barn access door. The council has received no public comments in support or objection to the application so far, despite its complexity and potential impact on the local environment. The application was originally submitted in 2023, but was withdrawn due to the objections from the Environment Agency, which were deemed too significant to resolve during the application process. The council is now considering the application on its merits, without the influence of the withdrawn application. In a quoted section from the planning papers, the council notes that:
“Note that no access track from the highway to the barn is proposed or necessary. The proposed barn is designed to be a self-contained unit, with all necessary facilities and equipment already on site.”
This statement highlights the council’s commitment to ensuring that the proposed barn is designed to minimize its impact on the local environment, and to meet the needs of the farm and its operators. **Key Benefits of the Application**
The proposed barn will bring numerous benefits to the farm and the local community, including:
Improved animal welfare
Enhanced security
Sustainable drainage systems
Permeable hardstanding
Efficient storage and management of farm equipment and supplies
These benefits will not only improve the efficiency and productivity of the farm, but also contribute to the overall sustainability and environmental responsibility of the farm.
The proposed barn is designed to be a model of sustainability, with the use of rainwater harvesting and sustainable drainage systems. This approach will not only reduce the farm’s environmental footprint, but also provide a high level of security and stability for the farm and its operators.
By adopting this approach, the farm can minimize its impact on the local environment, while also ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of the business. In conclusion, the proposed barn is a significant development that has the potential to bring numerous benefits to the farm and the local community. The council’s commitment to ensuring that the proposed barn is designed to meet the highest environmental standards, and to minimize its impact on the local environment, is a welcome step forward. The application is now being considered on its merits, without the influence of the withdrawn application. The outcome of the application will be closely watched by the local community, and will have a significant impact on the future of the farm and the local environment.
