PLANS to turn a redundant agricultural barn into homes have failed to get support from Fordingbridge councillors.

Fordingbridge Town Council’s planning committee discussed the application for the conversion of an existing redundant agricultural barn to residential use at Redbrook Barn on Ringwood Road during a meeting last week.

The proposals would see two pairs of semi-detached dwellings built as well as associated car parking, a new access and landscaping.

Planning documents state there will be three two-bed single storey dwellings and one three-bed two storey dwelling, which will be rental properties.

Councillor Paul Anstey said an application to use the barn for offices had previously come before the town council and was refused on the grounds that it was felt to be a “rebuild rather than a conversion”.

He said there had been amendments to the current plans including the car park, which had been moved and a footpath had been put in leading to it.

The existing frame of the building, the meeting heard, would be infilled with block and insulated timber frame.

Cllr Anstey said the old cladding and brick work would be replaced as will the metal roof and the mid-section of the frame would be removed.

“It is effectively all being taken away and they’re left with just that frame,” he added..

A resident spoke of his concerns about the plans and of a right of way being “extinguished”.

Councillor Alan Lewendon said: “I don’t consider this a conversion.”

Fordingbridge Town Council voted to recommend refusal as councillors felt the application was a new build rather than a conversion of the existing barn and noted there were also conflictions over the right of way.

New Forest District Council, as the planning authority, will decide whether the application is granted permission.

To view the application visit: newforest.gov.uk (ref 20/11403).

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