KPPC Planning Consultants has won an appeal for 16 homes in the Dorset green belt to enable restoration of historic mill buildings.
It secured the planning permission on appeal for Morden Mill and Farmhouse, off the A35 road, near Poole.
The Planning Inspectorate overturned a Dorset Council decision to refuse the application for the site, which lies in the south east Dorset green belt.
Inspector Oliver Marigold BSc DipTP MRTPI stated that proposals would be appropriate, enabling development to secure the future of mill and farmhouse as heritage assets.
He added that the planning application met the ‘very special circumstances’ test required to justify development in the green belt area.
“Therefore, despite the conflict with the Development Plan, the balance of material considerations indicate that planning permission should be granted, and the appeal should be allowed.”
There has been a mill and associated buildings on the site since the 11th Century, with the current buildings erected in the 18th Century.
Both Grade II listed, they are considered individually, and as a group, of significant national importance.
KPPC is acting for applicant Smartin Developments Limited, along with Scott Worsfold Architects and Urban Designers and other project partners.
It lodged the appeal under section 78 of the Town Country Planning Act 1990.
NEW LIFE: Plan of site at Morden where a historic mill and farm house are to be restored and 16 new homes built
Ken Parke, KPPC chief executive, said: “We’re delighted that the Inspector recognised the value of this scheme in facilitating the restoration of important heritage assets in Morden.
“This exemplary design by Scott Worsfold Architects and Urban Designers, will breathe new life into the historic mill and farmhouse, while delivering much-needed new homes in a thoughtfully designed and high-quality rural scheme.
“We look forward to seeing the development take shape.”
KPPC and project partners submitted a comprehensive package of technical submissions, visual analysis and supporting reports demonstrating the benefits of the application.
The approved plans include a carefully considered design and layout reflecting the rural character of the area, with some homes designed to appear as converted agricultural buildings.
The site also includes curtilage listed buildings, such as a stable block, that was already agreed to be converted into two homes. Many of the buildings within the heritage setting retain significant historic fabric, including original machinery, brick detailing, and traditional segmental arch heads.
Mr Marigold granted the appeal with a list of conditions including the purchase of nitrate credits, a Construction Traffic Management Plan and a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan.
Project Team:
- Applicant: Smartin Developments Limited
- Planning Consultants: KPPC Ltd
- Architects & Urban Designers: Scott Worsfold Associates – Architects & Urban Designers
- Landscape: ACLA Ltd
- Arboriculture: Barrell Tree Consultancy
- Archaeology: Cotswold Archaeology
- Heritage Restoration: Dorothea Restorations
- Ecology: Eco Support
- Surveying: Redline Surveys
- Transport: Vectos
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