'How can this be right?' farm developers near Highworth devastated after planning refusal
The decision could mean nearly completed homes are knocked-down
Last updated 15th Jul 2021
The husband-and-wife property developers, whose plans to convert three barns on farmland south of Highworth have been thrown into turmoil by planning refusal, have told of their devastation.
Nigel and Sharon King are part way through building eight houses on the site of old farm buildings, at Eastrop Farm off Shrivenham Road.
They have permission to convert three historic barns and two workers’ cottages to executive homes.
But the issue surrounds the conversion of three more modern farm buildings.
Swindon Borough Council says the Kings had permission to convert them – but because the barns were taken down before parts were put back up and the houses built that means the barns were demolished, and the houses are new buildings without planning consent.
Mrs and Mrs King applied to be allowed to keep and complete these three houses, but despite support from Highworth Town Council and two ward councillors, the planning committee refused the application.
It could mean the nearly competed houses must be knocked down.
'All we have ever tried to do is provide good quality houses'
Mr King expressed his shock and upset in a post on Facebook: “One of the two main reasons for refusal was because of them being outside the local neighbourhood and development plans, being in the open countryside.
“The Gladmans site, given permission a month ago, of 250 units in the field next to us will be 100 metres from our boundary. Apparently our three are considered not to be “of sufficient economic benefit or contribution to the housing supply”.
“All we have ever tried to do is provide good quality houses for the local community in a nice setting. Unfortunately it appears that they will remain an eyesore for quite a while longer yet.
“The access track will remain closed too I’m afraid, however our intention always was that once the build process was complete then users could walk it again to access the public right of way".
'We’re normal people doing our best to survive'
Mr King drew a distinction between the company he runs with his wife and larger developers: “We don’t have multiple homes or flash cars; we’re normal people doing our best to survive and get through life".
Mrs King, who spoke emotionally at the planning meeting and who was left in tears after the decision added: “We could lose everything we’ve ever worked for including our home, just basically everything. How can this be right?”
Many responses were supportive. Michael Eckett wrote: “These old buildings have been derelict for as long as I can remember. I think the council’s attitude is very questionable when all you are trying to do is bring these buildings back into use by making them into homes.
"I wish you every success in your venture".
'I think the Council is being unreasonable'
Jonathan Zippo added: “Whilst I’m not fond of all the extra development nearby, I think the council is being unreasonable about it considering all the other stuff it has given the ok to. Eight nice houses get my vote over 250 identikit boxes".
Mr and Mrs King can appeal against the decision or can make a fresh application for full planning consent.