Family annexe at The Hawthorns, Burscough, Ormskirk

“Planning permission is sought for the conversion of an existing ancillary outbuilding to an ancillary annexe to accommodate a family member.”

“The annexe would include a kitchen / lounge, 1 bedroom and a shower room. The dimensions of the proposal building are as follows: Height – 4m Height of eaves – 2.1m Width – 6.9m Length – 11.7m Total footprint – 80.73m2.”

“The application site relates to a detached, two-storey dwellinghouse on Crabtree Lane, Burscough. The site is in a relatively isolated position, to the west of Burscough in the open countryside. There is a cobbled driveway to the north-east of the property and a large garden to the rear (north-west), which includes a brick outbuilding (the subject of this application). The site is located in the Green Belt but not in a conservation area.”

“2024/0694/LDP - Certificate of lawfulness - Proposed detached outbuilding to house gym and games room. APPROVED.”

“The application site is in the Green Belt, wherein the NPPF guides that new development is inappropriate unless an exception applies. Paragraph 154 (h) iv. allows for: "the re-use of buildings provided that the buildings are of permanent and substantial construction." The outbuilding is considered to be of permanent and substantial construction.”

“Concerns have been raised about the impact on residential amenity as a result of the proposed annexe. The specific concerns relating to residential amenity focus on the more permanent use of the building as ancillary accommodation instead of the intermittent use as a home gym.”

“Drainage – No objections raised. Requested a condition be included relating to the submission of a drainage plan showing separate foul and surface water drainage.”

“Lancashire County Council Highways – No objections raised.”

“Neighbour representations – Two neighbour representations received raising concerns relating to the impact on the Green Belt, impact on residential amenity and concerns relating to potential use as an independent residential unity.”

“Burscough Parish Council – Objected on grounds of impact on the Green Belt.”

“3) No development shall take place until a detailed drainage strategy for the separate foul and surface water drainage of the development is, including any necessary infiltration measures, attenuation measures, use of rainwater harvesting system such as water butts, design calculations, permeable paving and phasing of delivery if applicable, has been approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

“4) The outbuilding which is the subject of this application shall be occupied solely as an annexe to the property known as No. 59 Crabtree Lane, Burscough, and shall not be used as a self-contained dwelling, separate and apart from No. 59 Crabtree Lane or for use for business purposes, holiday letting or air bed and breakfast uses.”

“B. That condition 4 be amended to prevent the property from being sold separately, and an additional condition be added to remove permitted development rights for outbuildings, extensions, and hardstanding.”

“C. That the final wording of the revised conditions be agreed in consultation with the Chairperson.”