The site forms the greatest remaining part of the final outstanding restoration of this former large limestone quarry. The retention of the former two quarry buildings, albeit modified and extended, would have an undermining effect and seriously dilute the character and appearance of the ongoing restoration of the former quarry to a more natural form and thus detract from the Authority's approved Landscape Restoration Plan which sets a vision for an attractive landform and landscape post quarrying. The buildings are not of architectural or historic importance and do not make a positive contribution to the landscape and character of the National Park. As such their retention through conversion would be contrary to the provisions of Core Policy A, and Development Policy 8 of the NYM Core Strategy which, amongst other things, seek to retain traditional buildings which make an important contribution to the quality and character of the landscape, together with seeking to ensure development conserves and enhances the wider landscape and Special Qualities of the National Park, and avoids damage to the landscape.
The proposed development involves the creation of agricultural buildings for use by livestock with welfare and husbandry requirements which are likely to lead to pressure for a farm workers dwelling(s) which would be likely to have a harmful an urbanising impact on the locality contrary to the provisions of NYM Core policy A and Development Policy 12.
The Local Planning Authority does not consider that the benefits to agriculture set out in the application justification outweigh the harm that would be likely to accrue from the significant harm to the Landscape Restoration Plan vision for the site which involves open access for the public to enjoy an attractive semi-natural landscape and the undermining of the social/cultural/heritage value of the common land in the locality. As such the proposals would be contrary to the provisions of Core Policy A of the NYM Core Strategy which, amongst other things, seeks to maintain and enhance the natural environment and landscape and not detract from the quiet enjoyment, peace and tranquillity of the Park. Furthermore the proposal would conflict with Development Policy 12 which seeks to ensure the character and appearance of the Park is maintained by ensuring new farm buildings are related physically and functionally to existing buildings associated with the business. Insufficient justification has been submitted to demonstrate why buildings could not be located at Spaunton Estate's existing moor farms thus avoiding the creation of livestock and agricultural storage buildings in this isolated location away from any existing agricultural buildings.