A series of planning refusals by Shropshire Council have been overturned.

Andrew McGlone, a Government planning inspector, ruled in favour of three planning proposals made by Ben Pocock in 2017 for a barn in Lee, near Ellesmere.

Mr Pocock had hoped to change the use of the land to turn the barn into a property with additional plans for a garage and an outbuilding.

However, all three were turned down by Shropshire Council because of the impact it would have on the character of the area.

Mr McGlone said: “The schemes would re-use the site.

“A reduction of built form on the site compared to the agricultural use would result in some gains to the openness of the land, while the scale of the plot and built form would broadly reflect the character of built form in Lee.

“Moreover, a residential dwelling on the land would relate well to The Cottage. As such, the site is not physically isolated.

“The proposals would also be limited to a single infill plot.”

He added: “The proposals would help bring about the rural re-balance of rural communities.

“This would be achieved by future occupants helping shape the local community; the modest provision of a family dwelling; contributions to trades, supply chains, local services and facilities; and making the most effective use of land.”

Other concerns raised by neighbouring residents at the time related to Mr Pocock carrying out some works before planning permission had been granted.

But Mr McGlone agreed that this was to protect the building.

And he also discounted allegations made by the council that Mr Pocock had been “deliberately deceitful”.

He added: “I understand the council’s position, given that there is a need for public confidence in the planning system, but this is a serious allegation, which stems from the site’s planning history and one which should not be made lightly.

“Based on the evidence before me, I am not convinced that deceit has actually

occurred.

“There has been considerable dialogue between the parties through a number of applications, and the appellant’s intentions throughout seem to me to be clear enough.”

A separate application for costs from Shropshire Council was refused by Mr McGlone.