Redundant Farm Barn To Be Used By Vehicle Repairs Business

A redundant farm barn west of an Isle of Wight village will be used by a vehicle repairs and MOT business.

The council has granted the Reads Farm Partnership planning consent for a change of use of an agricultural barn at Reads Farm near Gunville.

BCM, the applicant’s agent, says the proposal ‘supports local employment and the expansion of existing local companies via sustainable growth and farm diversification’.

Its submitted statement says:

“The barn is no longer required for the reduced farming operations taking place on site and is now redundant.

“The building will remain similar to the existing, with elevations to be clad in materials similar to other farm buildings nearby. There will be no negative impact on the landscape character.

“This proposal will provide a farm diversification to boost income and ensure the farm can function sustainably.”

A council decision report says:

“Officers consider that the proposed commercial use would introduce a business use into the wider rural area that would meet a specific local need and contribute to the economic wellbeing of the wider locality.

“The application would not have an unacceptable impact on the character of the area.”