Two-bedroom self-build home at Land West Of Chy Gweal Arrowan Common, Coverack, Helston

What was proposed

A single-storey two-bedroom local-needs self-build home was proposed, with access, parking, a temporary construction caravan and private drainage.

“This proposal seeks Full planning permission for the construction of a single-storey 2-bed local needs self build dwelling with access, parking and temporary siting of caravan during construction.”

“Access is proposed to be via an existing field gate in the eastern boundary of the site. The existing grass verge that runs along the roadside is proposed to be used as the visibility splay. Parking is shown within the site to comprise up to 4 spaces with space for vehicles to turn within the site.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the dwelling would be isolated from the settlement, harm countryside character and fail to satisfy Policy 9.

“However, in this instance the proposed dwelling would be positioned at a noticeable distance from the established cluster of buildings at Ponsongath. As a result, the development does not satisfy the locational requirements of Policy 9 of the Cornwall Local Plan, which expects rural exception sites to be outside but immediately adjacent to the builtup area.”

“This siting would cause harm to the character and appearance of the open countryside, which forms part of the Cornwall National Landscape (formerly AONB).”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council sought a time-limited caravan condition, while the affordable housing team awaited eligibility evidence and the National Landscape gave no response.

“Affordable Housing The Affordable Housing Team have advised that they cannot comment on the application until an affordable self-build eligibility form has been completed and returned with all supporting evidence. This has not been supplied by the applicants.”

Officer report

What supporters said

Supporters said the proposal would free housing for others, fit the area, and respond to the applicants’ strong local connection.

“The key planning related points have been summarised below:”

“A number of letters of support have been received for the proposal in support of the applicants; • The proposal will free up housing for other people; • Site is within the settlement; • Design is modest and in keeping with area; • Applicants have a strong local connection to the area.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke in support and answered members’ questions; the Electoral Division Member also supported the proposal’s local housing benefits.

Members’ discussion

Members agreed with officers about Policy 9 but considered national housing policy important in supporting this modest home for a local couple.

“A full and detailed debate ensued, the main points of which were noted as follows:-”

“Members agreed with Officers regarding Policy 9. However the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Sections 82, 83 and 96 make it vital to support application such as this one.”

Minutes

The vote

Members voted nine in favour, none against and one abstention on a motion to approve the application under delegated powers.

“Arising from consideration of the report and debate it was moved by Councillor Ball, seconded by Councillor Hodgetts, and on a vote of 9 votes in favour, 0 against and 1 abstentions, it was:-”

“RESOLVED that Application No. PA25/06700 be given delegated powers to approve subject to the following conditions, informatives, the completion of the affordability eligibility questionnaire and the agreement to an extension of time to allow for the applicant to enter into a Section 106 agreement to secure the dwelling as an affordable dwelling in perpetuity.”

Minutes