COUNCILLORS in Chelmsford found themselves split on whether two buildings in the green belt were new, or refurbished old ones.

Chairman of the council’s planning committee, Ian Wright, found himself in the rare position of having to use his casting vote after a six to six deadlock.

The application was for retrospective planning permission for external cladding, a roof to two barns and a change of use to commercial at Montpelier Farm, in Margaretting Road, Writtle. Two separate barns would remain with the removal of an infill middle extension.

The committee was told an enforcement notice had been issued against putting up the building on the green belt for commercial purposes and an appeal was due to be heard next month.

Tim Roper, ward councillor for Writtle, but not a voting member of the committee, said there was no new building.

He said: “The two buildings have been there donkeys’ years and are being reclad.

“Maragetting Parish Council has not replied and Writtle has no objections, so it should be passed.”

But Robin Stevens (LIb Dem, The Lawns) said if the revised cladding made them new buildings on the green belt, the application should be refused.

Richard Poulter (Con, Bicknacre and East and West Hanningfield) said: “They are replacement buildings that have not been used as agricultural barns.”

Farm owner Andrew Green told the committee he needed to let out the barns to small businesses to receive income to support the farm. He added: “There has been no increase in size and they have been there for years.”

But Mr Wright voted against allowing the barns to remain.