Gerpins Lane, Upminster, Essex.

 

New duckery and commercial greenhouse approved.

​

Following an initial planning application for a replacement dwelling on the plot and a new basement and swimming pool (both detailed below) the applicant was seeking to start a new business at the property and asked us at En-Plan to submit an application for a new commercial duckery and greenhouse. 

 

In terms of the site location the property is located just outside of Upminster in the London Green Belt. Upminster itself is a suburban town located in the London Borough of Havering, in the county of Essex, England. It is situated about 16 miles (25 kilometers) east-northeast of Central London. Upminster is considered part of the Greater London area and falls within the London commuter belt. Historically, Upminster was a rural village, but it has experienced significant growth and development over the years. It is known for its village-like atmosphere, with a mix of residential areas and green spaces. Upminster is also home to a variety of amenities, including shops, restaurants, schools, and recreational facilities. Transportation in Upminster is well-served, with Upminster station being a major interchange point for commuters. It provides rail services to London Fenchurch Street, with frequent trains connecting the town to the city. Additionally, Upminster is well-connected by road, with the A127 and M25 motorway nearby. The town boasts several notable landmarks, such as Upminster Windmill, a preserved smock mill that dates back to 1803, and the Upminster Tithe Barn, a medieval barn that has been converted into a community hall. Upminster also benefits from its proximity to open spaces like Upminster Park and the Ingrebourne Valley, offering opportunities for outdoor activities.

Overall, Upminster is a pleasant residential area that combines a suburban feel with convenient access to London, making it an attractive place to live for those seeking a balance between city and countryside living.

 

The London Borough of Havering, which includes Upminster, has specific planning policies in place regarding development in the green belt. However, it is important to note that planning policies may change over time, so it is advisable to consult the latest information from the Havering Council or relevant planning authorities for the most up-to-date regulations. In general, the green belt is an area of land surrounding and protecting urban areas from unrestricted development. It aims to preserve the openness and character of the countryside while preventing urban sprawl. Green belt policies typically restrict new development and prioritize the protection of the environment, landscape, and agricultural land. Within the green belt, Havering Council has established policies that prioritize the preservation of the area's character and open spaces. The council's planning policies typically restrict development in the green belt and prioritize brownfield (previously developed) sites and urban regeneration.

​

In the context of the Green Belt and Havering Council Planning Policy, agricultural development is often considered to be an appropriate and compatible use of land. Agricultural activities contribute to maintaining the openness, character, and environmental benefits of the green belt.

​

It is important to note that these are general principles, and the specific policies and regulations regarding agricultural development in the green belt can differ between local authorities. To obtain accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend consulting the planning department of the London Borough of Havering or the relevant local planning authority responsible for Upminster, as they will have the most current information and guidance on agricultural development in the green belt.

​

Based on the above site site context and Planning Policy framework En-Plan formulated and submitted an application for agricultural development which conformed to DEFRA guidelines on the keeping of animals.

DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) provides guidelines and regulations in the United Kingdom related to the keeping of animals.DEFRA places great importance on animal welfare and promotes responsible animal keeping. They outline guidelines to ensure animals are provided with appropriate care, including proper nutrition, housing, health monitoring, and protection from harm or distress. DEFRA has specific guidelines for the identification and registration of certain animals, such as cattle, sheep, and pigs. These guidelines help in disease control, traceability, and monitoring of animal movements. DEFRA provides regulations for the transportation of animals to ensure their welfare during transport. These guidelines cover factors such as vehicle suitability, journey times, space allowances, ventilation, and access to food and water. DEFRA plays a crucial role in preventing and controlling animal diseases. They provide guidelines on biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of disease spread, including measures to prevent contact between different animal species, proper waste management, and quarantine protocols. DEFRA has published welfare codes for different species of farmed animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, poultry, and horses. These codes outline the minimum standards of care and welfare requirements for each species, covering aspects such as housing, nutrition, health, and handling. Depending on the type and number of animals kept, certain activities may require licenses or permits. DEFRA provides information on licenses for activities such as animal boarding, breeding, exhibiting, and performing, as well as licenses for activities involving dangerous or exotic animals.

It is important to consult the official DEFRA website or contact DEFRA directly for the most current and detailed guidelines on the keeping of animals.

​

En-Plan were also able to provide details on the optimum growing conditions for the produce of choice and produce floor plans and elevations to suit.  The produce of choice in this instance was tomatoes and these require sepcial consideration as tomatoes are warm-season crops that thrive in sunny and warm conditions. While England's climate can be cooler and less predictable compared to warmer regions, tomatoes can still be successfully grown with some careful considerations. This shows our breadth of knowledge when it comes to rural planning matters.

​

We have continued to work with the applicant post approval in order to discharge planning conditions relating to construction detail and waste storage as part of our ongoing support to the fledgling business.

​

If you would like to find out more about how our Planning Consultancy and Architectural Design Services can work in perfect sync to achieve a successful outcome in the planning system please contact us and we will be only too happy to talk through any questions or development proposals you may have.

​

READ MORE NEWS