Garden curtilage extension at Underhill Hawthorn Road, Beaufort, Ebbw Vale

“This application seeks full planning permission for the extension of the residential curtilage for use as a garden area.”

“In February 2023, Planning Committee granted retrospective planning permission for change of use of land to incorporate it as residential curtilage including boundary treatments at Brookfield, Hawthorn Road Beaufort Ebbw Vale (Application C/2022/0332 refers). The extended curtilage of Brookfield is immediately adjacent to this current application site.”

“The application site is surrounded by residential dwellings to the north, south and west. To the east is the Mynydd Carn-y-Cefn and Cefn yr Arail Special Landscape Area (SLA). The existing dwelling and original rear garden lie within the settlement boundary as defined by the Adopted Local Development Plan (LDP) and outside the SLA. The land proposed to be used as extended garden, lies outside of the settlement boundary in ‘open countryside’ and within the SLA.”

“The owner chose not to apply for planning permission nor remove the unauthorised decking and cabin or reinstate the land/boundary and cease the use of the land. Accordingly, in October 2022 two Enforcement Notices were served. One notice required the removal of the raised decking and timber cabin and reinstatement of original ground levels, and the second notice required reinstatement of the original boundary and a cessation of the use of the land.”

“In November 2022 the homeowner submitted an appeal to the Planning & Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW). On 22 nd November 2024 PEDW dismissed both appeals and upheld both enforcement notices subject to corrections. The enforcement notices become effective from the date of the Inspector’s decision (22 nd November 2024). Further to a site visit on 21 st May 2025 it was noted that the raised decking area had been removed, and the cabin had been largely cleared from the land.”

“Settlement boundaries are a key mechanism for helping deliver the LDP’s objective of maximising the use of land. They define the area within which development will normally be permitted subject to other policies in the Plan and material considerations. The other aim of the policy is to prevent inappropriate development in the countryside.”

“Although the proposal is strictly contrary to policy SB1, Planning Policy consider that the fact that no built development is proposed is a key consideration, with the special landscape area evidence referring to the need to conserve the open character of the area. Based on the plans submitted it is considered that the proposal can achieve this in compliance with the requirements of LDP policy ENV2.”

“Ecology: The provision of replacement planting will help enhance connectivity to adjacent green infrastructure with additional benefits to biodiversity. Details of native species planting should be secured by condition.”

“Environmental Health: No objection but advise that the standard land contamination is used in this instance.”

“Although the proposal to extend the residential curtilage of the property is a departure from policy SB1 of the LDP (and has been advertised as such), on balance, having considered the above matters and context of the site, it is considered that the proposal would not have a detrimental on the visual amenity of the streetscene, wider SLA or countryside, the residential amenity of those living closest to the site or the ecological and biodiversity value.”

“The development shall begin not later than five years from the date of this decision notice.”

“RESOLVED that Planning permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions detailed in the report.”

“Councillor Chris Smith did not take part in the vote.”