Barn conversion blocked in locals-only row

A plan to convert a stone barn near Dartmouth into a home has been rejected by councillors who agreed the property should be reserved for local residents.

The owners of Higher Swannaton Farm had hoped to transform the disused barn into a home anyone could live in.

Planning agent Lisa Jackson criticised South Hams District Council's insistence on a locals-only occupancy, warning it could doom the project.

But planning officers said the local occupancy rules, aimed at redressing the high proportion of second or holiday homes in the area, was non-negotiable and councillors turned down the application by eight votes to one.

Ms Jackson told the planning committee: "This is a really high-risk project, and the applicants are running a farm that needs all income streams.

"If you want to save this building, you have to understand that that sort of restriction is not necessary."

Supporters, including local councillor Ged Yardy, argued the scheme would preserve two heritage buildings and bring more benefits than harm, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) reported

"The design as it stands is perfectly acceptable," he said.

But planning officers maintained the development would have adverse impacts, including poor pedestrian access, and the local connection policy should remain.

"There is a scheme to be delivered here, but I don't think this is it," said committee chair Mark Long.

"There is a clear policy requiring a local connection, and I do believe that is important."

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