By Isle of Wight Observer
A planning appeal has been lodged against the Isle of Wight Council’s refusal of permission to turn a former milking parlour at Sheep Lane Farm in Chale, into an office.
The appeal has been submitted by planning agents Plan Research on behalf of the applicant, and argues that the council misapplied its spatial strategy policies and overlooked national guidance encouraging the reuse of redundant rural buildings.
The building in question has a chequered planning history. It was previously the subject of enforcement action after being used as a residential unit without permission. That appeal was dismissed, and the applicant was ordered to remove the “domestic paraphernalia”, which has not yet been actioned.
In the new appeal, Plan Research emphasises that the building will look exactly as it does now, whether or not the office use is approved. They argue that the council has accepted that the proposal would not harm the character of the area. The council’s refusal instead rested on sustainability grounds and the site’s location outside any settlement boundary.
The appellant’s case challenges this point directly. The statement notes that national planning rules support the diversification and reuse of rural buildings, including for commercial purposes, and accepts that many agricultural buildings are in locations that rely on private transport. With modern farming no longer requiring small structures, the agent argues that an office is the only viable use left for the building.
Highways officers had raised concerns about parking provision, but the council’s report accepted that the traffic impact would be minimal and that a shortfall in parking could be resolved by placing a condition on the permission.
There was one public objection, from Chale Parish Council, which argued that the proposed internal layout, which includes a shower, rest area and kitchenette with no separate. office space, and size suggested the building might be used for something other than an office.
