Self build - I know IAU posting for traffic but...

[Postingfortraffic]

...I really need help on this one! We have planning permission to convert a barn into a home but actually have our hearts set on knocking it down and building a contemporary building. The design is in keeping with the tone of the village and is respectful of this.

However, we have spoken to a planning officer who is dead against it and says if we put the application in at the moment they would not be prepared to support it. We’ve made many changes and compromises to the design but it’s still very contemporary. One of the problems he had was that it is near a grade 2 listed cottage. You would not actually be able to see the property from the street as it’s set very far back and incredibly private but I’m trying desperately to find examples of other instances where a grade 2 listed building is near a contemporary building. I think this would help our case.

Does anybody out there know where there are any in the UK? I’m having trouble finding any online. It’s a long shot but thanks to anyone that responds.

If you really want to try for this alternative design I would strongly recommend you hire a planning consultant that specialises in conservation. If you don't know a lot about planning it is hard for you to argue. It is not that helpful looking at comparisons as each building has its own specific site circumstances. That won't convince the officer. You could potentially go and take photographs to try to demonstrate how it won't affect the setting of the listed building and you could look at adding landscaping for screening. Are you in a conservation area too?

Also is the principle of a new house only acceptable in this location because it is a conversion? If you're in the countryside (outside settlement boundary) you might struggle to make a case for a new dwelling as well as any heritage issues.

Yes. National Polices support the reuse of rural buildings in the Countryside (subject to criteria) more than new build in the Countryside.

If the planning officer has said they won’t support it, then they won’t.
Finding photos of similar buildings probably won’t make a difference
As stellarfox says find a planning consultant. If you live in a conservation area or a National Park then try and find someone local who may be able to help.
I live in a National Park in a listed building and we have barns, because the house and one of the barns is listed all the other barns come within the curtilege (not sure of the spelling) of the listing.
It took me three years to get permission to extend my house and that wasn’t fun!!
You will need someone who has a connection with the planning officer.
Best of luck