Plans for nine homes at Crumps Farm in St Nicholas-at-Wade to be discussed by councilors – The Isle Of Thanet News
Two applications for change of use and development at Crumps Farm in St Nicholas-at-Wade will be discussed by councilors at Thanet’s planning committee next week.
The first application is for listed building consent to change the use of three barns to one 5-bed property, one 4-bed property and four 3-bed dwellings as well as to change the use of two 3-bed houses to one property following the demolition of the administration and associated stables/storage. With it.
The second related application is to build two new 4 bedroom homes plus conversions on the same site.
The land owned by St John’s College Cambridge was formerly a livery yard, but is presently an unoccupied farm site. The site is adjacent to the Grade I listed Church of St Nicholas.
Crumps Farm consists of the listed Threshing Barn, the smaller unlisted Threshing Barn, single storey store buildings, a later Dutch barn and a semi-detached cottage. The unlisted 18th century Threshing Barn is on the list.
The site also contains many modern buildings and outbuildings alongside historical buildings. The application proposes the demolition of the modern buildings and two subsequent extensions to the semi-detached house.
Planning documents say: “The proposals provide an opportunity to preserve the historic farmhouse at Cramps Farm for future generations.
“The proposals seek to convert the existing Grade II listed and unlisted Threshing Barns, Dutch Barn, cottages and dilapidated shop buildings to the south. The scheme also proposes the removal of two new dwellings on the sites of the modern farm buildings, to be in a style complementary to the farmhouse.
“Building a new Dutch Barn and farmhouse style cottage on the ruins of modern outbuildings helps continue the scheme and builds on the architectural language across Crumps Farm.”
The change of use application, which council planning officers are recommending for approval, was called to the committee for decision by councilors Rhys Pugh and Abi Smith due to concerns about increased traffic, impact on biodiversity, trees, heritage assets, highway safety, local community and services .
“Big benefits”
A planning officer document to councilors says: “This development would significantly change the character of the site from agricultural to domestic use and result in some significant alterations to historic buildings, but this proposal is considered to result in a number of significant benefits.
“A number of modern and unsympathetic buildings will be removed from the site to improve the status of the historic buildings on the site. Material replacement and external remodeling of the remaining buildings on the site will restore historic designs and appearances and add to the significance of these properties.
“Reusing the buildings will help ensure the buildings are preserved for the future. It is believed that although the proposed alterations to the buildings are significant, they have been planned in a sensitive and sympathetic way, and the resulting damage will be less than significant.
“The public benefits of returning traditional materials and features to historic buildings are significant, and preserving the buildings and tidying up the site for the future is also of great importance.”
A number of planning amendments, additional environmental works and the addition of a footpath have been undertaken within the site along Shuart Lane.
Kent County Council has proposed including a 20mph speed limit zone throughout the village. At a cost of about £15,000.
The second application is for the new part of the project. Planning officers recommended councilors defer and delegated to officers to approve subject to receipt of a legal agreement ensuring input on changing the village’s speed limit and other planning conditions.
The applications will be discussed by the committee on September 20.
Existing Dutch barn
Conversion into two 3-bedroom houses. The application documents say: “The design approach is to repair and retain as much of the existing steel framework as possible to maintain the character of the barn. The concrete foundations for the steel columns should also be retained as a feature.”
“The timber curbs and steel cross beams should be exposed at ceiling level on the new first floor to create a significant feature.”
Cottages
The unlisted cottages are currently divided into two smaller, semi-detached sections. The proposal is to convert the cottage into a single 3-bedroom unit.
The two most recent extensions will be removed.
Barns not included
The unlisted 5-bay Threshing Barn is one of the main buildings on the site of high heritage value. It is proposed to convert the barn into two units (a 3-bedroom unit and a 4-bedroom unit), retaining an existing dividing wall between two adjacent cells. The barn’s two end bays served as an oasis;
Barn included
The Grade II listed threshing barn (8 bays) is the largest of all the existing buildings by length. It is planned to be converted into two spacious residences divided along the bay section. One 4-bedroom residence and one 5-bedroom residence.
Dividing the barn into two units will provide each with its own center.
Former stables
Several shop buildings (formerly stables) located along the southern boundary of the site, are proposed to be converted into flexible spaces for plots 7 to 9. The existing buildings will form part of their own gardens and serve as additional living and storage spaces. Such as home office or bicycle storage
New builds
New ‘Farmstead Style’ Cottage: A new 4 bedroom dwelling is proposed adjacent to the entrance to the site on a similar site to Stable & Barn St (which is proposed to be demolished). The house is designed in ranch style and follows the same building line as the adjacent Dutch Barn. It therefore takes into account the historic farm plan.
New Build Dutch Barn: A new detached dwelling is proposed to mirror the existing Dutch barn on the site. The house must have 4 bedrooms.
St John’s College Cambridge
The proposal is one of several developments on land in Thanet owned by St John’s College Cambridge which since 1511 has specialized in theology and arts. Over the past four centuries, it has grown its investment base to support its educational endeavours. The college has probably owned the Crump Farm site since the 16th century.
It also owns Gore End Farm in Birchington which has received approval to build seven homes in a combination of conversion and extension of the threshing barn, converted cow shed and new buildings. There is also a planning application submitted by the neighboring landowner for up to 1,650 homes.
Land at Nash Court Farm in Margate has been allocated for up to 1,461 residential units and associated amenities.
St John’s College Cambridge also has:
- Cliff Court Farm in Moncton, 310 hectares.
- Shuart Farm, St Nicholas-at-Wade, Kent, 192 hectares
- Docker Hill Farm, Moncton, 137 hectares.
- Land adjacent to Shuart St Nicholas Wade Farm 15.7 hectares
- More land at Nash Court Farm of 4.86 hectares
- The backyard of Akol’s house is 0.14 hectares
In 2016, St John’s College was reported to own approximately 18,000 acres of agricultural land across England as well as a large and diverse property portfolio including shops, offices, leisure facilities, industrial units, residential properties and land rentals. It is said to have consolidated assets worth £780.1 million.
