Case Study
Objection to Change of Use Application for Agricultural Building to Light Industrial (Class E) – Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Council
Project Overview
Daniel White Planning Services was appointed to represent a neighbouring client in objecting to a Change of Use application for an Agricultural Building to Light Industrial (Class E) within Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Council. The objection was based on planning policy non-compliance, adverse amenity impacts, and insufficient assessment of key material considerations.
Key Objection Points
Lack of Key Assessments – The application failed to provide sufficient detail on:
Heritage assets in the immediate area.
Highways impact and accessibility concerns.
Protected species and biodiversity considerations.
Noise pollution and residential amenity impacts.
Urbanisation of a Rural Location – The site’s remoteness from main roads, public transport, and local facilities made it unsuitable for industrial development, conflicting with local and national planning policies.
Significant Amenity Impacts – The proposal claimed Class E (Light Industrial) use, but evidence showed the site was intended for a joinery business, which has higher noise and environmental impacts.
Extended operating hours would intensify site usage, creating substantial noise disturbances and negatively affecting residential properties.
Policy Non-Compliance & Conflict with the NPPF
The proposal failed to meet the requirements of Schedule 2, Part A, Class E, Section G of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Regulations 2020.
It contradicted Babergh Mid Suffolk’s Joint Local Plan Policies and NPPF 2023 (Paragraph 185), which requires developments to be appropriate for their location and protect residential amenity.
Outcome
The strong policy-based objection successfully demonstrated the proposal’s failure to comply with planning regulations, recommending refusal without delay.
Why Choose Daniel White Planning Services?
Expert Representation for Planning Objections & Appeals
In-Depth Knowledge of Local Plan Policies & NPPF 2023
Strategic Planning Advice to Protect Residential & Rural Amenity