Penny Lane Barn Penny Lane Stockbridge Hampshire SO20 6JJ

1. 1.It has not been demonstrated that the additional land to be changed to residential use is essential within the countryside as required by Policy COM2 of the Local Plan, particularly as there is an extant scheme for an alternative parking layout that is more discreetly located (23/01528/FULLN). The proposals do not comply with paragraphs a- j of Part 1 of Policy S5 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), and are not therefore considered acceptable in the countryside. The proposed scheme is therefore a departure from the development plan. The proposals would fail to comply with Policy DP3 of the NPPF, which therefore requires the application to be refused in accordance with Part 2 of Policy S5 of the NPPF, which states that in such instances the benefits of approving development proposals are likely to be substantially outweighed by adverse effects. There are no social, economic or environmental benefits of the scheme that would outweigh the harm in departing from the development plan. The scheme is contrary to Policy COM2 of the Test Valley Borough Revised Local Plan 2016 and Policies S5 and DP3 of the National Planning Policy Framework 2026.
2. 2.Prior to the unauthorised works, the Public Right of Way had an informal and verdant character that complemented the rural and agricultural setting of the surrounding landscape character. The unauthorised grey gravel has demonstrated that gravel can appear austere and urbanising, and therefore visually intrusive juxtaposed against this natural landscape. Insufficient information has been submitted to demonstrate that the proposed scheme would not have an adverse impact on the character of the area and the landscape, as few details of the appearance of the proposed gravel and the proposed gabion on the south-west corner of the dwelling have been submitted, and the proposed area of gravel is extensive. The replacement gravel and gabion would be prominently located on the south-west side of the barn where it also cuts across the path of the Public Right of Way and would therefore be prominent in public views. The scheme is therefore contrary to Policies E1 and E2 of the Test Valley Borough Revised Local Plan 2016, and Policy DP3 of the National Planning Policy Framework 2026.

From the council's decision notice.

Postcode

SO20 6JJ

Date validated

28 July 2026

Consultation end

20 August 2026

Documents

17