'Dilapidated' social club to become 'exemplary' new farm – against council officer advice

Councillors went against officer recommendations on Wednesday to grant approval for a ‘exemplary’ new farm building.

The plan is to transform the Waltham Place Farm site, featuring the ‘dilapidated’ Shottesbrooke Social Club, into an expanded modern and sustainable farm.

This ‘eyesore’ building is set to be demolished and a new barn is planned there, made of hemp, making it ‘unique’.

It was lauded as likely to draw ‘positive attention’ to the Royal Borough, especially in the midst of a climate emergency.

Councillors felt this counted as ‘very special circumstances’ that would justify building on the greenbelt.

Moreover, it was highlighted that the social club’s community value is lower than suggested.

Cllr Maureen Hunt disagreed with the officer’s view that demolishing the club would count as a ‘loss of a community facility’.

She said that the club was for farmers, not for the community, and does not appear to be frequented by many.

Another important point for the panel was the educational opportunities afforded by the new sustainable farming techniques.

They felt not enough weight had been given to this by officers. Instead, the head of planning was delegated to approve the application, subject to some conditions.

As such, they voted in favour of a motion to go against the recommendations.

To see all documents related to this application, enter 22/03297/FULL in the borough’s planning portal.