The Local Planning Authority is not satisfied that it has been demonstrated that there is an essential functional need for living accommodation to serve the applicant's holding or evidence of a firm intention and ability to develop the enterprise concerned; or clear evidence that the proposed enterprise has been planned on a sound financial basis; consequently the proposal would be contrary to Core Policy J of the NYM Local Development Framework and Annex A of Planning Policy Statement 7.
The existing buildings on the site do not constitute traditional rural buildings which contribute to the character of the area or are worthy of retention. The proposal is therefore contrary to Development Policy 8 of the Local Development Framework which only seeks to permit the conversion of traditional rural buildings. The long term retention of this concrete building would harm the character and appearance of this part of the National Park.
In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority, the proposed conversion of the barn to stables would be contrary to Development Policy 17 of the NYM Local Development Framework which seeks to resist horse related development if it requires the provision of new residential accommodation. The proposal, if permitted, would create an equestrian venture on a low key agricultural site which would by virtue of activity levels, comings and goings of associated traffic, paraphernalia associated with a trekking centre and residential use, create an obtrusive form of development in the open countryside which would be harmful to the character and appearance of this part of the National Park.