Family given green light to turn barn at Stafford farm into 'living space for elderly parents'

The Masons sought prior approval for the barn conversion as part of a permitted development scheme which allows agricultural buildings to be turned into homes without the need for full planning permission.

But their proposal for the single storey home at Woolaston Lane, Church Eaton, which includes a rear extension adding an additional 23 square metres of space, sparked objections from three neighbours. They raised concerns that the private access track and Woolaston Lane were both in a state of major disrepair with no segregated footway, and increased traffic would cause more issues on a single-track road.

There were also fears that the proposed development could be used as an Airbnb and the surrounding area could be developed for several properties. Ward councillor Jack Rose called in the application for consideration by Stafford Borough Council’s planning committee in response to residents’ concerns.

At Wednesday’s planning committee meeting (June 4), applicant Sharon Mason said there had been a positive meeting with Councillor Rose to address the issues raised however, and she thanked him for going through the concerns with her.

She told the committee: “Our family have lived on Woolaston Lane for over 20 years. We purchased New Buildings Farm in 2021 and found it in a disgusting condition.

“We removed over 30 tonnes of materials and this has greatly improved the entire site. We have successfully renovated the original farmhouse for our younger daughter and our eldest daughter is going to be living in another property.

“The proposed dwelling will be occupied by my elderly parents. They’re currently in unsuitable rented accommodation – the new dwelling will be single storey and easier to maintain.

“Family is important to us. We are trying to look after our family while sensitively renovating the building.”

Staffordshire County Council’s highways department recommended refusal of the application due to concerns the development would “exacerbate the risk of conflict between vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists due to no segregated facilities or street lighting”. A series of recommendations to upgrade the private access track, including providing two passing bays, were put forward however and borough councillors voted to grant prior approval for the barn conversion.