A FARMER forced out of the family home because his mother died has had his application to build himself a bungalow thrown out.

Despite pleas from Councillor David Lee, Wychavon's planning committee rejected plans to replace the steel-framed hay barn at Grove Farm, Mill Lane, Radford, near Inkberrow.

Coun Lee told members that John Fernihough's application should be treated with sympathy because the farmhouse had to be put on the market after his mum passed away.

He explained she had stipulated the property had to be split between all her children. But he stressed the farm was a viable business, which was why the applicant wanted to remain on site. "This application requires members' sympathy," he said.

"He is being forced out of the farmhouse to fulfil family expectations and should be allowed to carry on with his livelihood."

In a report considered by the committee, planning officer Robert Peel said the council fully appreciated there was already an agricultural dwelling at the farm. But he said the house being sold to fulfil the requirements of the will did not justify a reason to override the council's adopted policy which permits just one dwelling in open countryside.

Coun Lee argued the proposed site was not in open countryside.

"In my opinion, the site of the proposed development is not in open countryside as there are buildings each side of the barn," he added.

Coun Muriel Mathews replied by saying the committee should not consider applications on the grounds of circumstances.

"It is a shame about the circumstances with his family, but we are here to decide on the basis of planning regulations," she said.