A new barn will be built at an alpaca farm on the edge of an Isle of Wight village.
County Hall has given consent to Richard Hargreaves’s proposal to construct a timber barn on a grazing pasture next to his home, Medina House, off Church Lane on the outskirts of Northwood.
The approval comes after planners turned down a previous bid for a new barn at the site last November, citing its non-compliance with national planning legislation.
Mr Hargreaves’s submitted Planning Statement said:
“On the farm we have a small herd of alpacas that live outdoors all year round.
"The barn will primarily be used for storage of hay and feed, and to securely store associated farm machinery such as ATV, poo-picker, trailer etc.
“In addition, it may act as a facility to carry out necessary husbandry jobs throughout the year, and as an additional shelter in very bad weather (part of the structure is an open covered area), or in the birthing season if the weather turns cold and wet overnight.
“Within the barn plan there is a stall perhaps better described as the sickbay, because it will be kept clean and disinfected in case there is a sick animal needing attention from a vet.”
Gurnard Pines resident Jane Popov supported the application:
“My 90-year-old mother lives in a property close to the land where the proposed barn is to be situated.
“She has no objection to the barn, in fact, the quality of her life is enhanced by the presence of alpacas in the field next to her home.
“Dog walkers and families enjoy the herd, many choosing to use the footpath on Church Lane expressly to view them.
“Anything that is needed to protect the herd and allow the public to continue enjoying these animals is a bonus.”
The council’s decision report said:
“It is concluded the proposal would be acceptable in terms of scale and design and would not cause harm to the character of the area or the surrounding countryside.
“Officers consider that no harm would be caused by way of overlooking, overshadowing or loss of outlook.”