Removing two planning conditions at Walden Cottage 9 New Forest Drive, Brockenhurst

What was proposed

The application sought removal of conditions restricting permitted development and conversion of the integral garage to living space.

“Proposal: Application to remove conditions 2 and 3 of planning permission NFDC/97/60754 for house and garage (demolish existing)”

Officer report

The site

The property is a detached dwelling on a generous, vegetation-bordered plot within Brockenhurst’s defined village.

“9 New Forest Drive (Walden Cottage) is a detached dwelling within the Defined Village of Brockenhurst. The plot is bordered by tall vegetation and there are a number of tree preservation orders in the locality. The dwelling is located on a generous plot on New Forest Drive.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Previous permissions included a garage, extensions, the replacement house and garage, and an earlier two-storey addition.

“Two Storey Rear Extension; First Floor Extension over Garage (09/93969) granted on 29 May 2009.”

“Erection of 2 storey addition (demolish existing garage). (NFDC/88/38637) granted on 02 August 1988.”

Officer report

Officers’ assessment

Officers considered the proposed changes consistent with relevant policies and found no expected effects on neighbouring properties.

“There are no foreseen impacts on neighbouring properties due to the removal of the two conditions cited above in relation to visual intrusion, overlooking or shading.”

“For the above reasons, it is concluded that the removal of conditions 2 and 3 of planning permission reference: NFDC/97/60754 would not conflict with the relevant policies of the adopted Local Plan. The remaining conditions within application NFDC/97/60754 are no longer relevant, therefore the application should be granted without conditions.”

Officer report

Parish council view

The parish council recommended refusal because removing the restrictions was considered contrary to Policies DP2 and DP36.

“Brockenhurst Parish Council: Recommend refusal, for the reasons listed below:”

“Councillors felt that by removing the restrictions the application would conflict with Policy DP2 (General Development Principles) and Policy…”

Officer report

People who spoke

The agent spoke in favour, and a parish council representative spoke on behalf of the parish council.

The decision

“Decision Approved without conditions Comments In presenting the item, Carly Cochrane drew Members’ attention to the changes introduced by the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, August 2026), specifically Section 14: Achieving Well-Designed Places. She advised that, following a review of the application against the updated guidance, there was no change to the officer recommendation. Voting Unanimous REPORT ITEM 6 Application No.”

Minutes, 18 Aug 2026