Planning officers '˜a bit sniffy' over plans to knock down farm buildings near Grade II listed building

Planning officers were accused of being 'a bit sniffy' over plans to knock down farm buildings near a Grade II listed building and replace them with a garage.
Peterborough City Council newsPeterborough City Council news
Peterborough City Council news

Peterborough City Council cabinet member for planning Cllr Peter Hiller made the remarks while discussing an application for the small parish of Sutton, near Ailsworth.

The council’s planning committee unanimously approved the application for land near the listed Manor Farmhouse, despite a recommendation from the authority’s planning officer to reject it.

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The application was supported by Sutton Parish Council, whose chairman Peter Lee said it was “eager” to see the farm buildings demolished as this would “open up a far more attractive view of the conservation area in the village.”

A statement was also read out from Manor Farmhouse owner Jane Scriven who said the plans were an improvement on what was already there.

Cllr Hiller agreed, stating: “What’s there is currently pretty grim. How this application spoils what’s currently there - I’m struggling with that. I think our officers got a bit sniffy on this one.”

Fellow committee members agreed that the new design was an improvement on what currently existed.

The council had raised three objections - one was a claim that the proposals would “unacceptably erode the prominence, stature and historic significance” of the listed building and its setting.