‘This isn’t for the public benefit!’ Grade II-listed country house in Caistor refused permission to build holiday cottage

A country house which has become a popular getaway has been refused permission to build a holiday cottage within its walled garden.

Moortown House Farm near Caistor already offers self-catering stays – with prices from £2,450 per week – and wanted to add a six-bed cottage.

The owners appealed to West Lindsey District Council for permission, saying it would bring more tourists to the area.

However, they were told in a planning meeting on Wednesday (December 4) that it didn’t meet the “very high bar” for modifying a Grade II listed building.

Speaking for the owners, Joe Flannaghan of ID Planning told the meeting: “The farmhouse has been very successful since opening as a holiday let, with 40 bookings so far this year.

“The main feedback we get is that guests want even more capacity, often for extended family groups. They often need extra rooms and have to book off-site.

“There are testing times for the farming community, and diversification is essential.

“Any minor harm to the walled garden would be outweighed by the public good.”

Moortown House itself can sleep up to 12 people in king-size bedrooms, and has a heated indoor swimming pool and tennis court.

The new cottage would have been able to cater for another six, and included a terraced seating area.

Ward Councillor Peter Morris (Con) backed the application, saying: “This area needs tourists to spend money in the local shops and pubs.”

He said it would allow more people to view the estate, adding: “What’s the point of having a beautiful walled garden if people can’t appreciate it?”

There is historical speculation that the gardens were designed by Sir Joseph Paxton, the renowned Victorian architect behind the Crystal Palace, where the Great Exhibition was held.

However, committee members felt changes weren’t justified to the Grade II listed property.

Coun Tom Smith (Con) said: “This isn’t for the public benefit. There is already a lot of tourism in the local area, and there is a very high bar for modifying listed buildings.”

Coun John Barrett (Con) agreed: “Anyone who owns a Grade II listed property is not just the owner, they’re a steward of future generations.

“They would be better opening the walled gardens, restoring them back to their former glory, and charging the public.”

The committee followed planning officers’ recommendation to refuse the application.