FPCR York delivers for Yorkshire tourism with planning approval granted for Pickering holiday cottages

Plans to convert redundant agricultural barns into holiday cottages on a farm near Pickering, on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, have been granted full planning permission by Ryedale Council.

The barns, being part of a Grade II listed building and situated in open countryside, contained numerous potential roosting features and, following extensive endoscope surveys and nocturnal surveys, two bat roosts were identified. Evidence of barn owl feeding activity was also identified.

The scheme’s aim was to minimise impact to the character and fabric of the building considering the heritage value of the site, with plans to retain the physical features of the original stone structures. With close collaboration with the architects, Peter Rayment Design Ltd, and the client it was possible to retain both bat roosts.

To ensure the development can progress, a work schedule that will not negatively impact bats was produced and approved by the LPA. In addition, further ecological enhancements will be incorporated within the scheme including a range of additional bat and bird boxes to provide new roosting and nesting opportunities including an integrated barn owl nest box which will be installed as part of the scheme providing long term benefits. It’s anticipated that these measures will not only provide benefits for wildlife, they will also be a feature of interest to future visitors of the cottages.

Andrew Brennan, Project Leader and Principal Ecologist at FPCR York explains: “Farm diversification into tourism is becoming increasingly common in North Yorkshire and wildlife tourism is a significant part of the offer. FPCR are delighted to be able to support this growing industry and farmers in diversification, advising on the incorporation of appropriate and sensitive management of wildlife features to support biodiversity whilst also providing the necessary reports and plans to support planning applications.”