# Paddock Farm, Bowridge Hill, Gillingham

- **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
- **Tags:** tier-2, class-q, no-framework-reference, prior-approval

## 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
- **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
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/appeals/6009129
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/published-document/703efb8d-d810-4103-84ff-807925982cfa

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Source: https://planningdistilled.org/research/england/nppf-navigator/decisions/PINS-6009129.html

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