Lady Grey Wedding Barn
Type of development
Leisure
Partners
Location
Cheshire East
Year
2022
Eden successfully overturned the refusal of retrospective planning permission for a series of physical alterations and a change of use of a former agricultural shippon to a wedding venue in the Green Belt at Lady Grey Farm in Mobberley. The application, which was originally submitted by Eden in July 2020, faced significant delays and issues in the context of Covid-19 and was ultimately determined by the Planning Inspectorate through method of written representation in June 2022.
The application was first recommended for refusal in September 2021 due to perceived harm to the Green Belt but deferred by Members of the Cheshire East Northern Planning Committee to allow for amendments to be made to the scheme. Following pro-active engagement with the Council, a positive Officer recommendation was given at Committee in December 2021.
Members of the Committee decided to vote in contradiction to the recommendation, with a motion to refuse the application being carried. An adverse impact upon the living conditions of neighbours and a perceived encroachment into the Green Belt were cited as two reasons for refusal. Eden Planning moved quickly in response to submit an appeal.
In agreement with Eden and Officers at the Council, the Planning Inspectorate was satisfied that the openness of the Green Belt would be preserved and the proposed development did not constitute inappropriate development. Furthermore, the Inspectorate was satisfied that the living conditions of nearby residents would not be materially harmed subject to the imposition of appropriately worded conditions.
The appeal was subsequently allowed and planning permission granted, allowing the bespoke wedding venue to continue its important role in supporting the local rural economy, providing vital employment opportunities within the countryside and contributing to the local supply chain.