A holiday let use at a converted barn in Milwich has been refused by Stafford Borough councillors after concerns were raised about neighbours’ amenity and noise.
Planning permission was granted more than 30 years ago to convert an agricultural building at Grade II listed Milwich Hall into two homes, but an enforcement investigation was later launched into the unauthorised use of one of the properties as a holiday let.
Squirrel Lettings applied to Stafford Borough Council for formal consent to change the use of the Sandon Lane property to a holiday let. The application was recommended for approval by planning officers, but members of the council’s planning committee voted to refuse it on Wednesday 10 June.
The refusal was made on the grounds of loss of amenity and noise concerns for neighbours.
A report to the committee said
“The current application follows an active enforcement investigation where it has been established that the property has undergone an unauthorised change of use from a residential dwelling to a holiday let.
It is understood that this use has since ceased pending determination of the current planning application.”
The report said the proposal had originally been for up to eight guests, but officers advised the applicant that the use should be restricted to up to six guests. That recommendation was accepted.
A supporting statement submitted with the application said the accommodation had won awards and had previously been used by guests visiting family in the area, Alton Towers, local weddings and funerals, Staffordshire County Showground and the Gatehouse Theatre.
It said
“The property has previously been used as a holiday let, and requires no adaptation to resume this use.
It remains on several booking websites, although it is currently not available; as such, there will be no costs associated with setup in this instance.”
Milwich ward councillor Frances Beatty called the application into committee. She told the meeting she had been involved for nearly three years trying to help neighbours address a series of problems.
Councillor Beatty said the buildings were part of an historically important Staffordshire farmstead with Tudor origins, and added
“The holiday let will harm the amenities enjoyed by residents of neighbouring dwellings.
“The applicant has no right of access to the property for commercial purposes. The only rights that exist are for residential use.”
Janine Edwards, who spoke against the proposal, said previous use of Squirrel Barn as a holiday let had caused problems including increased visitor activity, vehicle movements, noise, external coloured lighting and spotlights.
She said
“In addition, there was associated domestic paraphernalia, hot tub, decking and children’s playground including a zip wire, which were totally inappropriate to the rural and historic character of the location. The holiday let business was marketed towards large family groups, emphasising the property’s suitability for outside activities.
“The disturbance to the enjoyment of our home was substantial and unreasonable, and we believe constituted a private nuisance. We believe the activities will continue as before if the application is granted.”
Councillors refused the application following the debate.
