Opposition to farmworker's house plans

A plan to build a farmworker's house near Burleydam has sparked opposition from parish councillors.

Cheshire East has been asked to grant full planning permission to build a "modern but contemporary' house for a key agricultural worker at Dodcott Grange farm, near Burleydam.

But Dodcott-cum-Wilkesley Parish Council has lodged a formal objection and seeks to challenge what it calls "flawed" elements of the Design and Access statement submitted with the scheme.

In a letter to Cheshire East Council, parish leaders spell out seven reasons why the plans should be turned down.

The letter claim:

• that agriculture is no longer the mainstay of the family business which now focuses on marquee renting and catering
• that the scale of the proposed house is not in keeping with a normal agricultural worker's dwelling
• that the 'contemporary' design is not in keeping with the area and that it could easily be converted into a large family home thus circumventing the planning process
• that the dwelling will have a detrimental impact on views across open countryside
• that other less obtrusive locations on the property have not been considered
• that the applicant recently sold a 'tied' cottage which was 'presumably' no longer required for an agricultural worker.

A separate 26-page agricultural assessment for the applicant drawn up by Wright Manley says the applicant has "firm intentions and proven ability" to develop a successful and viable enterprise as proposed.

The document insists that a key worker is required to be present on site and a family dwelling is required as the onsite management requirement of the holding are "significant".

Dodcott Grange presently comprises 517 acres of which 180 acres are owned and an additional 237 acres rented out. The farm currently has 65 head suckler herd of beef cattle, 320 ewes and four rams, says the report.

The new house would be built for the farmer's son and his partner who currently live in the main farmhouse.

"Age and personal circumstance require an alternative solution and to maintain employment and ability to complete a pivotal role within the enterprise." says the report.

The application is due to be heard at Cheshire East Council's Southern Planning Committee meeting on December 11.

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