Self-build dwelling and garage at Land South West of Griffin House, School Road, Appledore

What was proposed

The application sought a one-and-a-half-storey, three-bedroom self-build home with a garden, detached garage, parking and shared access.

“One-and-a-half-storey self-build detached dwelling and detached garage Applicant…”

“Planning permission is sought for the erection of a detached one and a half storey three-bedroom dwelling with associated garden, detached garage and vehicular parking. The access is existing and would be shared with Unicorn House.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is an extended garden beside a listed farmhouse, outside the settlement and between Griffin House and the recently approved Unicorn House.

“The application site is located on the north western side of School Road and comprises the extended garden of Griffin House, a large, detached grade II listed farmhouse.”

“Falling outside of the built confines of the settlement of Appledore Heath, the site is located within the countryside and lies within the Old Romney Shoreline landscape character area. The site lies between Griffin House and Unicorn House, a new build recently granted permission under application PA/2023/2066 and near completion. To the north west, west and south west of the site are agricultural fields/countryside.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier applications included permitted outbuildings and garden works, a refused dwelling, and a nearby dwelling approved against officer advice.

“PA/2023/0826 – Proposed single dwelling with associated amenity garden, external swimming pool and vehicular parking…”

“Approve with Conditions (Officer Comments: This was approved at the Planning Committee held on 13 th March 2024 against officer advice).”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the location was unsustainable and the additional dwelling would cause significant visual harm to the countryside.

“Whilst the previous reason for refusal regarding the potential ecological impacts of the development has been addressed, it remains the case that proposal represents an unsustainable form of development which, by virtue of its siting, scale and design would also cause significant and unacceptable visual harm to the countryside.”

Officer report

Consultation and representations

The parish council supported the proposal subject to safeguards, Environmental Protection had no objection, and no neighbour representations were received.

“Consultations 6. Appledore Parish Council: Support on the proviso that the design of the new build does not adversely impact neighbouring properties including any nearby listed buildings. Also, as per previous neighbouring building application PA/2023/2066, that the Public Right of Way team are contacted to ensure nearby footpaths are not impacted by work carried out.”

“Neighbours: 16 neighbours were consulted on this case, and a site notice was posted and a press advert placed. There were no letters of representation received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Ward Member attended and spoke in support of the application.

The committee’s decision

The committee permitted the application in principle and delegated authority to impose reasonable and necessary conditions and notes.

“PERMIT the application in principle with delegated authority to the Assistant Director – Planning & Development or the Strategic Development and Delivery Manager & Planning Applications Manager to impose such conditions and notes as they consider reasonable and necessary.”

Minutes