Single-storey rear extension at Cardan House, Cadnam, Southampton

The site

The site contains a detached two-storey house, residential land and access, with nearby homes, a retail premises and land in flood zones.

“The application site (just over 0.1 hectares in size) comprises a detached two storey dwelling, its residential curtilage and associated access (and some adjacent land) which runs off the A31 (the Romsey Road). This access is also a public right of way which runs to the south-west of the site.”

“The dwelling was built following the granting of planning consent in 2011 (planning permission reference: 11/96218). A mobile home (associated with the neighbouring site, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”) lies to the south-east of the site. This neighbouring property is a retail premises which fronts directly onto Romsey Road.”

Officer report

Why permission was recommended

Although the extension exceeded the usual floor-space limit, officers considered the occupants’ health and care needs justified permission without significant harm.

“It is stated that the Applicant’s son is currently living in the ground floor bedroom, but that this is no longer adequate for his health needs, which are stated to be changing over time. Full details of his living requirements have been provided and it has been evidenced that he requires a specialist bed and adapted bathroom which together require a larger floor area.”

“The proposed extension would allow for the expansion and reorganisation of the ground floor primarily to provide a better-equipped bedroom and an accessible bathroom to suit his needs (which are stated to have changed since the original permission). It has also been indicated that, due to the timing and nature of his diagnosis, it would not have been possible to foresee his current accommodation needs at the time of the original application.”

Officer report

Design, neighbours and flooding

The extension was considered suitable in scale and appearance, acceptable for neighbours, and safe from increased flood risk with conditions.

“With regards to impacts upon local character and landscape, given the modest scale of the development and its location towards the rear of the site, it is considered that it would be appropriate in terms its scale, appearance, form, siting and layout. For the same reason, it is also considered to be contextually appropriate and would not harm key visual features, landscape setting or other valued components of the landscape.”

“It has been confirmed that floor levels of the proposed extension will not be set lower than existing levels, and that flood proofing of the proposed development has been considered and incorporated (with specific resilience measures proposed within the flood risk assessment). These measures can reasonably be secured through conditions.”

Officer report

Responses received

The parish council recommended permission, while no statutory consultees or other representations were recorded.

“Copythorne Parish Council: Recommend permission but will accept a delegated decision; the exceptional circumstances outlined by the applicant justify the granting of permission for alterations requested notwithstanding the limitations of DP36”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in favour of the application.

Committee discussion

Members were advised that updated national guidance had been considered and did not change the recommendation.

“In presenting the item, Natalie Walter drew Members’ attention to the changes introduced by the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, August 2026), specifically Section 3: Decision-making policies; Section 4: Achieving sustainable development; Section 14: Achieving well-designed places; Section 18: Managing flood risk and coastal change; and Section 19: Conserving and enhancing the natural environment.”

Minutes