Planning Committee Set to Rule on Disputed Hallaton Farm Scheme

A controversial planning application involving a protected archaeological site near Hallaton is set to be decided by Harborough District Council.

The application relates to Monument Farm on Cranoe Road and seeks permission for an agricultural building for livestock, hay, straw and equipment, along with associated works to a farm track and yard.

Part of the development has already been carried out and is being considered retrospectively.

The site is particularly sensitive because part of it lies within a nationally important Scheduled Monument, known as the Iron Age and Roman ritual site east of Swallow Hill Farm. A second Scheduled Monument, Hallaton Motte and Bailey Castle, is located nearby.

The proposal follows a lengthy planning enforcement investigation. Harborough District Council says it first became involved with the land in 2021 and issued a Temporary Stop Notice in September 2024 after receiving reports of works taking place within the Scheduled Monument area.

Objectors claim the development has expanded significantly over time and argue that what was initially presented as a modest agricultural proposal has evolved into a large operational compound involving extensive hardstanding, infrastructure and yard activity. They also question whether the agricultural justification for the scheme is sufficient and have raised concerns about the impact on nationally important heritage assets.

The site in Hallaton

Hallaton Parish Council has objected to the plans, citing concerns including archaeology, visual impact, agricultural justification, slurry management and what it describes as inaccuracies within the application.

Despite those concerns, Historic England has raised no objection to the application on heritage grounds.

A spokesperson for Historic England said the organisation had engaged with all parties involved but could not comment further because the matter remains live.

Harborough District Council said it acted promptly when reports of unauthorised works were received and has continued to monitor the site as part of an ongoing enforcement case.

A council spokesperson said: “The council received reports in September 2024 of unauthorised works within the area of a Scheduled Ancient Monument and acted promptly by issuing a Temporary Stop Notice to halt activity while the matter was investigated in partnership with Historic England.

“The site continues to be monitored regularly as part of an ongoing enforcement case. The council is aware of current activity on the land and, at this stage, has no significant concerns, noting that works appear to be agricultural in nature and in line with permitted development rights.”

The council says it will continue monitoring the site and will take enforcement action if necessary, although it aims to resolve issues through engagement and negotiation where possible.

Planning committee members will consider the application next week, with council officers recommending that it be approved.