PLANNING officers have knocked back an application weighing up whether a new dwelling for the owners of a farm outside Oswestry could be applied for.

Plans for the dwellings were submitted to Shropshire Council last year on land west of Buckley Farm in Maesbury, near Oswestry.

According to a design and access statement submitted on behalf of the applicants Alan Roberts & Co, the building of the dwelling was to allow for the owners’ son to take majority control of their business and be allowed a bigger space to live with his family.

This, according to the statement, would come from owners Malcolm and Anne Roberts moving from the established farmhouse to the propose new build, allow them to move closer to retirement and for their son Andrew to take over the business.

The design and access statement was commissioned as part of the applicant’s bid to discover if planning permission could be obtained.

However, last week, planning officers ruled that an outline application could not be made.

Planning officer Sara Robinson, in her report on reasons refusal, said not enough information for the dwelling’s need had been set out.

She added: “It has not been adequately demonstrated that there is an essential functional need for an additional dwelling to house an agricultural worker on the site in order to enable the proper functioning of the rural enterprise concerned.

“The planning authority is not convinced by the details provided that there are no other alternative properties available.”

Ms Robinson also highlighted that a supporting reason for the application was to provide help for lambing season, which she said fell short of a need for the dwelling.

She added: “It is noted that the farm holding has 1,150 breeding ewes, the supporting statement identifies that the sheep lamb indoors as well as outdoors.

“The sheep typically lamb during March, during this time it is noted that assistance may be required; however, this is for a short period of the year and would not justify an additional dwelling on site.

“Any essential need during the lambing season can be covered by temporary accommodation if such a need arises.

“Sheep also are after lambing are spread out over the farm land.

“The remainder of the sheep management on the farm can be undertaken during typical working hours and would not justify an additional permanent dwelling on site.”