The owner of a medieval castle in Wingfield, Suffolk, says that the local authority has approved a barn conversion next door without properly considering the harm caused to his Grade I listed home.
Michael Lyndon-Stanford is seeking a ruling quashing the decision of Mid Suffolk District Council to grant planning permission and listed building consent for the redevelopment of the Castle Farm Barns on a site adjacent to the moated Wingfield Castle, which can be traced as far back as 1385. The proposal involves conversion of the Grade II listed barns to three dwellings.
Lyndon-Stratford, who has previously negotiated to acquire the barns in order to preserve them, claims that the council failed properly to consider whether there were alternative means of securing their future. The barns have been placed on an at-risk register due to their condition.
In addition, he says that the authority erred in its assessment of the impact of the proposed redevelopment, due to being misled by officers’ reports, and failed in its duty under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 to have special regard to the desirability of preserving the setting of a heritage asset.
John Howell QC, sitting as a deputy judge, is expected to reserve judgment.
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