Controversial plan to turn agricultural land to vehicle storage

The application by Weybrook Farm in Sherborne St John seeks permission for two commercial buildings under flexible use and to convert agricultural land into a vehicle storage site.

The plan, however, has received objections from a borough councillor and neighbour who are concerned about environmental impact, traffic safety, and adherence to planning regulations.

The development aims to support farm diversification, with the proposed site opposite existing commercial units and accessed via the A340.

The view from Ross Adlam's kitchen window. A number of cars can be seen parked on the land behind his property (Image: Supplied) READ MORE: Planning applications submitted in Basingstoke and Deane

In a strongly worded objection to the plans, local resident Ross Adlam said there are alleged breaches, including unauthorised land clearance in April and the illegal use of the site for vehicle storage since September.

“The land has always been for agricultural use,” Mr Adlam said.

“But in April, diggers tore up existing wildlife habitats without legally required surveys. Cars from motor traders are now stored there seven days a week, with no planning permission granted.”

Mr Adlam cited previous rejections of similar planning applications at the site, including a failed appeal in 2007.

But the applicants, Priscilla and Jason Miller, argue the plans provide much-needed space for small local businesses while complying with biodiversity and planning regulations.

They claim that the land in question was previously a "dumping ground" and that its clearance in April was lawful, supported by ecological surveys and sustainability measures.

Cllr Simon Minas-Bound has also objected, raising concerns about the proposal's impact on the local countryside, proximity to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), traffic safety, and environmental disruption.

“This development fundamentally alters the landscape, introducing a visually intrusive industrial element that disrupts pastoral views,” he wrote on the planning portal.

“It threatens the ecological and aesthetic value of the nearby AONB and risks setting a concerning precedent for future encroachments into rural spaces.”

But the Millers have defended their application, calling objections "misleading" and reiterating their commitment to sustainability and biodiversity.

"The small piece of land relating to the planning application you mention has a long history as a dumping ground and the clearance of it in April 2024 did not breach any planning regulation," they said.

"The environmental impact was considered and an ecological survey has been carried out with biodiversity measures met.

“We have consistently complied with planning legislation and can find no evidence of an application being made in 2007. Our current tenants are all local businesses occupying sheds which all have the relevant planning permission for change of use.

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“As small family farmers we are genuinely keen to enhance and improve biodiversity. We have been busy planting trees and hedgerows whilst continuing with the countryside stewardship scheme and the government’s sustainable farming incentive. This is a very difficult time for British farming and navigating a way forward is going to be tricky. On the one hand we are encouraged to diversify but at a local level this is often met with red tape and objections. We are frequently approached by small local businesses looking for space to operate and our location on the edge of the town is appealing to them.

“It is disappointing that a local councillor would make objections to an application without first attempting to contact us to first ascertain all the facts.”

To see the planning application, search with reference number 24/01947/FUL on BDBC's planning portal.