A planning application to convert a County Durham farm building into a home has been refused.

The plan, submitted by Mr Mitchell Welsh, aimed to convert a farm building south of 7 Etherley Bank, Etherley, into a house under Class Q of the Town and Country Planning Order 2015.

This rule allows the conversion of agricultural buildings to residential use without needing full planning permission if specific conditions are met.

The main issue was proving the building was only used for farming on March 20, 2013.

Durham County Council found the evidence provided was not convincing.

Google Street View and aerial images showed the building was empty and missing much of its roof as of May 2023, with no proof of agricultural use.

Additionally, the council noted that work to convert the building had already started before receiving approval, breaking Class Q rules.

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The application also raised concerns about the impact on the rural look of the area, with the council finding the planned changes would harm the rural character of the site and its surroundings, going against local and national policies.

It had proposed a new access to the road, which did not raise serious safety concerns as the required visibility was achievable.

From an ecological perspective, although Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements do not apply to prior notification applications, some biodiversity improvements would have been needed to offset the ecological value lost due to the development.

Public consultation resulted in no objections or comments from neighbouring properties or other members of the public.

The applicant now has the option to appeal the refusal within six months through the Planning Inspectorate.