Barn conversion at Peterley Wood Farm in Prestwood approved THE CONVERSION of a barn in favour of a timber-clad home complete with a “secret door” has been approved, despite local opposition. A barn associated with Peterley Wood Farm, on Peterley Lane, in Prestwood, will get a new lease of life as a two-storey, four-bedroom property. The applicant, Ms Rosemary Hall, won conditional permission to convert the existing structure into a single residential property, featuring an “unusual” semi-internal courtyard, first-floor, main bedroom balcony, and glazing “across all sides” of the building. Entrance to the building will be via a “secret door” in the front, leading to the internal courtyard, according to council documents.
Some 83 parking spaces had been outlined, and of the 38 homes proposed, 14 were affordable. But during an East Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee, on Tuesday, December 15, councillors agreed with Chalfont St Peter Parish Council the site is isolated, “so residents will be heavily dependent on cars”. They also had concerns about waste provision and sustainability. “The only thing I can see that is for this application is this wretched 38 new homes, which are going to be stuck in the middle of nowhere,” said Cllr Julia Burton. “I think it’s absolutely ridiculous. “It’s not sustainable, it’s wholly dependent on private cars and it’s in a remote location.