Hockham barn wins reprieve

An historic barn this week won a reprieve after planners called for more information about it.Members of Breckland council's development control committee were discussing a proposal to demolish the clay lump barn on a site adjacent to North Farm, Shropham Road, Hockham, and put up a new terrace of four homes and two detached garages.

An historic barn this week won a reprieve after planners called for more information about it.

Members of Breckland council's development control committee were discussing a proposal to demolish the clay lump barn on a site adjacent to North Farm, Shropham Road, Hockham, and put up a new terrace of four homes and two detached garages.

But members heard there was strong opposition to the scheme and new information had come to light suggesting the late 18th century structure was actually a shuttered earth barn - the first of its type to be documented in the area and so extremely rare.

They also heard that English Heritage twice looked at the barn and decided it was not of sufficient historical interest to warrant it being officially listed.

The barn is in a good state of repair and planning officers have previously attempted to negotiate with the owners for its conversion into a home but this had been unsuccessful.

There have been 11 letters objecting to demolition on a number of grounds including loss of the historic structure, inadequacy of parking and lack of community services in the village.

There has also been concern over the need to protect the habitats of bats and owls and a bat loft would be included in the roof of the garage block.

Members agreed to defer a decision on the demolition consent until more information is available.