A controversial planning application by former reality TV star Barnes Thomas to convert an agricultural barn into a residential dwelling has deeply divided Cornwall Council members. Despite initial recommendations for refusal from planning officers and objections from Cornwall National Landscape due to the site’s open countryside location, the west area planning committee narrowly approved the proposal, highlighting a significant rift in local governance.
Key Takeaways
- A former reality TV contestant, Barnes Thomas, sought permission to convert an agricultural barn into a home.
- Council planning officers recommended refusal, citing the rural location and impact on the landscape.
- Local councillor Brian Clemens supported the application, arguing it constituted ’rounding off’ within a settlement boundary.
- The site has a history of controversy, including a previous dispute over a large pond and a civil litigation issue with a neighbouring falconry business.
- The planning committee ultimately approved the conversion by a vote of eight to two.
The Application and Initial Objections
Barnes Thomas, known for his appearance on Bear Grylls’ ‘The Island’ in 2018, applied for permission in principle to convert a partially constructed agricultural building at Bosavern, near St Just in West Cornwall. The application faced opposition from Cornwall Council’s planning officers, who argued the site was in open countryside and not part of a settlement. Cornwall National Landscape also raised concerns about the potential impact on the Cot Valley’s natural beauty.
A Contentious History
This is not the first time Mr. Thomas’s plans have generated significant debate. Last year, he faced backlash for constructing a large pond, described by opponents as a lake, on his land without planning permission. A petition signed by over 4,500 people called for its removal, and concerns were raised by Land’s End airport about potential bird strike risks to aircraft. The retrospective application for the pond was ultimately refused.
Furthermore, the planning officer noted a civil matter concerning the site and adjoining land, involving Mr. Thomas and neighbouring landowners. This relates to a High Court case where Mr. Thomas and his company were ordered to pay £258,500 in damages to a falcon breeding facility, Raptors of Penwith, after being found liable for nuisance and negligence that allegedly led to the deaths of three birds.
Council Debate and Final Decision
Despite the planning officer’s recommendation for refusal, local councillor Brian Clemens championed the application, believing it represented ’rounding off’ within the settlement boundary. He argued that the building’s original agricultural purpose was no longer feasible due to ‘circumstances outside of Mr. Thomas’s control,’ and that its conversion to a home would address Cornwall’s housing shortage.
However, other councillors expressed reservations. Cllr Peter Gardner of St Just Town Council stated that initial information provided by the applicant’s agent was misleading, and the town council later voted for refusal, fearing it could ‘open the door’ for development in conservation areas. Cllr Loveday Jenkin highlighted the distinction between agricultural use and dwellings in the open countryside.
Ultimately, the committee voted to approve the application, with eight members in favour and two against, deeming the location sustainable and struggling to find concrete reasons for refusal given the current stage of the application.
Sources
Scott Calland is a highly regarded content specialist with an English Degree. He has a passion for creating compelling content as a UK journalist that engages, informs, and entertains readers. With over 10 years of experience in creating news publications as a reporter, Scott has developed a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of how to craft content that resonates with audiences. Working closely with data analysts Scott’s research on topics is unrivalled for latest news updates.
Reality TV Star’s Barn Conversion Sparks Fierce Debate and Council Divide in Cornwall