The existing building by virtue of its modern construction is not considered to make a positive contribution to the character of the landscape of the National Park or to be of any architectural or historic merit, which would warrant its conversion. As such the proposal is contrary to policies GP3 and BE15 of the North York Moors Local Plan which seek to ensure that proposed development preserves or enhances the natural and built environment of the National Park.
The requirement for significant alterations and extensions in order to accommodate the proposed use, and loss of secure garaging and domestic storage space for the existing dwelling which is likely to lead to pressure for further domestic buildings, will exacerbate the domestic intrusion of this simple functional building in the landscape to the detriment of the character and appearance of the National Park, contrary to policy BE15 of the North York Moors Local Plan.
If approved, this application could encourage further proposals for the conversion, alteration and extension of modern rural buildings, which by reason of precedent, be more difficult to refuse, so leading to a serious decline in the landscape character of the National Park.