Garden summer house at Black Oaks, Charlton Marshall, Blandford Forum

The site and surroundings

The site contains a recently built dwelling, paddock land, mature protected trees, a drainage pipeline and nearby heritage and residential properties.

“The proposal site is located on the eastern side of Bournemouth Road (A350) on the outskirts of Charlton Marshall, just beyond the edge of the defined village settlement boundary. The site is accessed via a recently adapted driveway off Bournemouth Road. To the east side, the property lies adjacent to Palmers Lane which is an unadopted private road. However, planning approval granted for the dwelling (P/VOC/2024/00724) does not allow for vehicular side access via this lane.”

“There are no further permanent buildings on site. The topography is largely flat across the site and there are several mature, conservation area- protected trees across the wider site, including a semi-mature cherry to the southwest of the development site and further mature trees along the driveway and to the rear of the garden that will be affected when access to the development site is required.”

Officer report

Main effects considered

Officers considered the proposal would not harm neighbours, heritage assets, drainage, trees, biodiversity or the character of the area.

“However, the design and materials proposed are considered to accord with the character and appearance of the conservation area and as such, there is no demonstrable harm to the Conservation Area.”

“Therefore, it is concluded that the site is not at heightened risk of surface water or fluvial flooding, and the application provides sufficient surface water drainage measures to ensure no additional flood risk will result from the proposed development. Impact on trees – There are several mature, conservation area-protected trees across the wider site, and as such the application is supported by an Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Method Statement.”

Officer report

Objections and consultation

The parish council and ward councillor objected to the building’s scale, construction, siting, appearance and potential future residential use, while no resident objections were received.

“The Council objects to the proposed development on the grounds that it does not constitute a structure that can reasonably be described as a “garden room” or “summer house.” Such buildings are ordinarily incidental to the enjoyment of the host dwelling, modest in scale, subordinate in character, and typically of lightweight or temporary construction.”

“The Council is also concerned about the impact of the development on the character and appearance of the surrounding area. The proposed structure, by reason of its scale, massing, and design, would represent an intrusive and incongruous addition to the site. In addition, its proximity to the boundary with Palmers Lane gives rise to concerns regarding potential adverse impacts on neighbouring amenity, particularly in relation to overbearing presence and height.”

Officer report

What the applicant said

The applicant said the outbuilding was needed for family storage and property-maintenance equipment, and would be appropriately designed and positioned.

Members’ discussion

Members supported the amended design, considered it a well-designed garden room, discussed existing storage and accepted the proposed conditions.

“Members questions and comments • Members commented that the proposal appeared to be a well-designed garden room and expressed support for the application. • Members noted that the proposal had been amended and reduced in scale during the application process and welcomed these changes.”

“Reference was made to an existing storage container on the site, and Members asked whether a condition could be imposed requiring its removal once the proposed outbuilding had been completed and brought into use. • Clarification was sought regarding the site layout, with a Member asking whether the footprint of the proposed building, as shown on the plans, corresponded with the location of the existing polytunnel.”

Minutes

The committee vote

A motion to approve the officer’s recommendation to grant permission was proposed and seconded.

“Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application and an understanding of all this entailed; having considered the officer’s report and presentation; the written representatives; and what they had heard at the meeting, a motion to APPROVE the officer’s recommendation to GRANT planning permission as recommended, was proposed by Cllr Ridout, and seconded by Cllr Pothecary.”

Minutes