Row brews over farmhouse conversion plan

Residents have spoken out against Mirbaz Khan’s application to remove the extend the property and raise the roof to make eight flats.

Paul Cardwell (62) has lived on Brook Road, East Dene, for 38 years and is among 19 households to have objected.

He said: “It’s going to be disgusting, but people are afraid to speak out against it. I went to the library archives to look at the history of this area.

“As far back as far as 1814, Herringthorpe Lodge, this farm and another building towards Parkgate was all there was.

“It’s part of the history of East Dene and my plea is for this flats plan to be thrown out.”

Four previous applications to alter the farmhouse—formerly Bentley Farm—have been refused since 2006.

But a plan for Mr Khan to build two flats was passed on the other side of the 150-year-old farm building.

In September 2006 the council decided it was “not expedient” to take action against Mr Khan for building these half a metre higher than he had permission for.

Three months before that the council returned to Mr Khan a £500 “thank you for help and advice”, saying it was inappropriate to accept, even after the decision was made.

Mr Khan’s design statement said that the eight-flat plan had evolved following a careful assessment of the character and structure of the site and surrounding area.

The statement added: “It is considered that the application site is therefore one that can provide additional housing without creating incongruous features on the landscape.

“The proposed extension and alterations are to compliment the existing stone building and be constructed of natural stone and tiled roof.”

A minimum of six parking spaces will be provided if the plan is granted at next\!q Thursday’s planning board meeting.