By Amber Markwell

Babergh planning committee members will now visit a 'controversial and complex' application site on the Shotley peninsula after initially refusing to see it in person.

Ganges ward councillor Derek Davis spoke in person to the members during their meeting last Wednesday to convince councillors they needed to visit the farm yard site next to Erwarton Hall after they initially refused a request presented by a planning officer last

Erwarton stud owner Peter Veenbaas has applied to convert, repair, and extend existing farm buildings to form five new dwellings, the erection of a garage, demolition of buildings (including the metal clad barn), a provision of new vehicular access to The Street and associated landscaping.

Entrance to Erwarton Hall (Picture credit: Peninsula Nub News)

The planners will visit the site, which is within the AONB, along with neighbouring Erwarton Hall, a Grade 2* listed building, and the Grade 1 listed Gatehouse next week, with the application due to be heard at Endeavour House on Wednesday, May 11.

Planning officers and Cllr Davis argued members needed to see the site for themselves and walk the perimeter to understand the nature of the development in relation to Erwarton Hall, which was often visited by Anne Boleyn and whose heart is reputedly buried in the near church.

"Whatever the merits of the application, and I'm not saying it should be refused or approved, committee members need to visit the site." said Cllr Davis. "It is a controversial and complex application and member ned to see in real time the relation of the new homes, Dutch barns, access and it place within the AONB.

Cllr Davis speaking at planning meeting

Led by Great Cornard's Conservative councillor Simon Barrett, members originally agreed by a narrow majority, not to visit the important heritage site within the AONB as they felt the pictures offered were sufficient and it was not a significant enough development.

However, more than 50 objections, along with small numbers of supporters, added to the controversial nature of the application

Erwarton parish meeting also called for a site visit, saying while they agreed something needed to happen to the farm yard site, members should be fully aware of the development area.

Cllr Davis added: "I was astounded when the initial application for a site visit was turned down, with the main objectors coming from the Sudbury area who appear completely out of touch with what is and is not needed on the peninsula, but happily that wrong has been righted.."

All but one councillor voted in favour of making the site visit after the presentation and the applicant, parish meeting representatives, immediate neighbours and the ward member will be in attendance, although the actual site visit is not open to the general public.

Full planning application details can be found on the Babergh planning website here using reference: DC/20/03083

Watch the You Tube planning committee decision here.