Conservation area neighbours’ barn barney puts Milton Keynes committee in a spin

Councillors have decided to postpone their decision on whether to give permission to David and Dr Diane Soul to rebuild a previously demolished barn at their home in West Lane, Emberton.

But councillors at Thurday's development control panel were unclear what information was needed and how the situation might change, even if more information did come to light.

The case has caused ructions between the Souls and their neighbours Andy McGrandle, and Susan Soul (correct) who have challenged how planning permission was originally granted in November 2018.

Mr McGrandle insisted that planning permission should not have been given in the first place.

A part of the objectors’ argument is that a site visit was crucial to the decision-making process and they say it wasn’t made. The Local Government Ombudsman said it may have taken place but the council could not prove it.

The Ombudsman who found the council to be at fault, also ruled that the council took its decision correctly to give planning permission for the 150-year-old barn to be extended and converted into a two-bedroom dwelling.

The committee was told that during works the walls had become unstable when the roof was removed.

The owner, Dr Diane Soul told the panel that the council agreed to the north and south walls being “more dismantled than demolished” and the stones and wood used for reconstruction.

She added: “In essence, it’s the same barn but now stable enough to last another century.”

Ward councillor David Hosking (Cons, Olney) asked the committee to defer a decision to get more information.

But planning officer Elizabeth Verdegem said any enforcement action would lead to “wanting a like for like replacement.”

However, Cllr John Bint (Cons, Broughton) said he had felt the request for deferral had “merit”.

He broke convention to propose deferral. He would normally propose the officer recommendation.

Other committee members disagreed.

Cllr Rex Exon (Lib Dem, Bradwell) said: “If this was to be refused what enforcement action would we take? As I see it that would be that you would demolish the rebuilt barn and rebuild the rebuilt barn to be exactly the same as it is now.”

He was supported by Cllr Anthony Brown (Lab, Tattenhoe). “Our enforcement officers went and their advice was “you have to rebuild it as it was”, which has been done.”

Emberton resident Cllr Keith McLean (Olney) agreed with his Conservative colleagues and wanted a “forensic investigation”.

A planning officer then attempted to intervene but Cllr Bint stopped her, saying “we are already having the members’ debate”.

Later when Cllr Bint was asked for “more specifics” of what to look into he replied: “You’ve heard the concerns that have been raised.”

The committee tied two-two in its vote. The committee’s tie-breaking fifth member, Labour’s Cllr Pauline Wallis (Central MK) was not present.

So Cllr Bint used his casting vote to get the issue deferred.