Wootton Heath Farm owners denied building permission by Planning Inspectorate after NPA failed to make decision on time

FARMERS in New Milton have been denied permission to demolish and replace old buildings for use in a horse stud operation.

The owners of Wootton Heath Farm in Wilverley Road appealed to the Planning Inspectorate for permission to make the change after the national park authority failed to make a decision in time.

The appeals inspector noted the farmers had applied to the NPA for permission to refurbish and change the use of buildings and associated land to a horse stud.

Proposed works would have included the demolition and replacement of one barn and two small store buildings to provide stables, a feed store and storage space.

The applicants also wanted to place a mobile home on their land for three years to provide accommodation for a member of staff to “monitor equine security, health and welfare”.

In dismissing the appeal, the inspector found the “main issues” were the negative effect on the nutrient neutrality of a protected European site and its wildlife. They also questioned whether it would be “acceptable” to have a member of staff living on the site temporarily in a mobile home.

Furthermore, it was concluded that had the NPA had been in a position to make a determination on the original application in time, it would have refused planning permission on the same grounds.