A PLANNING inspector has dismissed an appeal against Wiltshire Council’s refusal for a barn extension at an alpaca farm in Chapmanslade.

However, the inspector granted Miss Sharon Snooks application for the award of costs, citing that Wiltshire Council acted unreasonably in their refusal.

Sharon Snook, of White Horse Drive, Frome, wanted to build an extension to a barn at Siennas Valley Farm, Huntenhull Lane, Chapmanslade, but the planning application was refused by Wiltshire Council.

The inspector, S Shapland, dismissed the appeal on the ground of the effects the proposed development would have on the character and appearance of the area.

The effect to the living conditions of neighbouring resident in terms of odour and noise were also found to outweigh the benefits of the proposed development.

The inspector wrote: “I note that there has been a number of letters of support for the proposal which indicate that the proposal would provide a boost to local economy and would cater for the welfare needs of the animals on site.

“I have been presented with no cogent evidence that the barn extension would provide a boost to the local economy.

“However, I recognise that there are some benefits of the barn extension for the operational needs of the site.”

In her application for the award of costs, Miss Snook argued that the council did not provide evidence for their decision and failed to take into account the role of planning conditions to mitigate the noise and odour.

The council’s refusal was found to rely on comments from their agricultural consultant, however this evidence was not submitted as part of the appeal.

As such, the inspector found that the “unreasonable behaviour” of the Council resulted in “unnecessary and wasted expense” and ordered that the Wiltshire Council pay for partial costs.