Greenfields Lineholt Lane Uphampton Ombersley WR9 0JP

1. 1.The accommodation needs of the applicant relate to their desire to alter the existing dwelling’s layout and design, and to improve its thermal performance, in order to allow for the applicant’s daughter and family to move into the dwelling. It is considered that this does not constitute a sufficient reason for demolishing the existing dwelling. The submitted building report concludes that the existing dwelling is structurally sound and as such it is evident that the dwelling is already suitable for human habitation, with the applicants currently residing within the property. Furthermore, the building report details the works required to bring the property up to more modern standards, thermally, with it being evident that these could take place as part of a refurbishment of the dwelling. For example, in relation to the walls the report outlines that "thermal enhancement can be undertaken by retrofitting". The works associated with this, and the other works described within the building report, would be expected to be required when purchasing an older property. In addition, not only is it considered that the need for a thermally efficient home and the desire to alter the existing dwelling’s layout and design do not represent sufficient reasons for demolishing the existing dwelling, but no evidence has been provided to support the claim that the cost of the refurbishment works would exceed the cost of the demolition and replacement of the existing dwelling. In light of the above, it is considered that the accommodation needs of the applicants do not justify the demolition of the existing dwelling and that the accommodation needs of the applicant could be met through the alteration, extension and / or refurbishment of the existing dwelling. The proposed development therefore represents an unacceptable form of development within the open-countryside, contrary to Policies SWDPR 03 and SWDPR 19 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (2026) and Policy S5 of the National Planning Policy Framework.
2. 2.The proposed replacement dwelling would fail to respond to its context, namely the character created by the form and design of the existing dwelling, integrate effectively with its surroundings and reinforce a sense of place and local distinctiveness. Therefore, and noting that the proposed replacement dwelling would be visible from the Public Rights of Way which cross the wider application site, it is considered that the proposed development would have a detrimental impact on the character, appearance and visual amenity of the application site and surrounding area, contrary to policies SWDPR 05 and SWDPR 28 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (2026), Policy DP3 of the National Planning Policy Framework, Policy TOAD9 of the Ombersley and Doverdale Neighbourhood Development Plan (2021) and the Wychavon Design Code (2026).
3. 3.Insufficient information has been provided to demonstrate that the Public Rights of Way within the site would be protected and enhanced as part of the proposed development. The proposal is therefore considered to be contrary to policy SWDPR 06 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (2026) and Policy TR8 of the National Planning Policy Framework.
4. 4.The proposed development would result in the loss of three bat roosts and would subsequently compromise the favourable condition of a species and habitat of principal importance. Furthermore, it is considered very likely that the first and second derogation tests cannot be met and that the required EPS licence would not be granted. The development is therefore contrary to policies SWDPR 01 and SWDPR 29 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (2026) and policy N2 of the National Planning Policy Framework.
5. 5.A Section 106 agreement has not been entered in to in order to secure the significant on-site Biodiversity Net Gain enhancements proposed or to secure the required monitoring fee. As such, the proposed development is contrary to policy SWDPR 30 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (2026), Policy N2 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2026) and Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

From the council's decision notice.

Postcode

WR9 0JP

Application type

Full planning permission

Parish

Ombersley

Date validated

28 August 2026

Applicant

Private applicant

Agent address

The Farm Office Millridge Farm Parsons Lane Hartlebury DY11 7YQ

Case officer

Jack Hanly