- Decision
- allowed, 19 August 2026
- Decided by
- Planning Inspector: Alison Fish
- Authority
- Dorset (South West)
- Appeal reference
- 6009129
- Application reference
- P/PAAC/2026/01142
- Procedure
- written representations
- Development
- Class Q prior approval, agricultural building to 2 dwellings
- Homes
- 2
- Site context
- open countryside
- Green Belt
- No
- Framework applied
- No Framework version cited
- Determinative policies
- GPDO Sch2 Pt3 Class Q.1(g), GPDO Sch2 Pt3 Class Q.2(1)(e)
- Main issues
- whether permitted development; location/siting
Summary
Class Q prior approval for two dwellings was granted. Like-for-like storm repairs to the barn were not "development", so Q1(g) did not bar the scheme. Siting concerns about suburban fencing were dealt with by boundary and landscaping conditions.
What made the difference
The repairs were minor, did not change the building's form, and did not materially affect its external appearance under s55(2). The Framework plays no part in a Class Q appeal.
Policy findings
Policy codes are those of the National Planning Policy Framework (August 2026) unless a development plan is named.
| Policy | Finding | Weight | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPDO Sch2 Pt3 Class Q para Q1(g) | pass | storm-damage roof sheet and cladding replacement did not materially affect external appearance, so not "development" (s55(2)) (DL 8-12) | |
| GPDO Class Q para Q2(1)(e) | pass | exposed site by footpath; suburban fencing risk controlled by boundary and landscaping conditions under para W(13) (DL 13-17) |
Key facts
- Earlier planning appeal APP/D1265/W/3344025 on same building not comparable (s78 v prior approval) (DL 16)
- The Framework is not cited
Sources
This note is one of the decisions behind the NPPF 2026 Navigator, which shows how each Framework test has been applied across all the decisions in the database. Also available as Markdown.