Existing annexe as home at The Annexe Meadowfield Trannack Road, Sancreed, Penzance

What was proposed

The application sought permission to use an existing annexe as an independent home rather than accommodation linked to the main dwelling.

“Planning permission is sought to use an existing annexe as an independent dwelling. The annexe was granted permission in April 2020, ref. PA20/01249. It was subject to a condition that restricted the use of the annexe to non-paying guests and family members of the occupiers of Meadowfield and that it should not be used, sold or let at any time as a separate residential unit of accommodation. The reason for the…”

“Permission is sought to use an existing annexe as an independent unit. The unit is within the garden of Meadowfield; a modest detached dwelling in the open countryside to the north of Sancreed. It has its own defined amenity space and a separate access along a bridleway with vehicular parking.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the proposal conflicted with countryside housing policy and its benefits did not outweigh that conflict.

“The proposal is in effect seeking to remove the restrictive condition on the existing annexe and create an independent dwelling. The site is in the open countryside where new housing is restricted. Policy 7 of the Local Plan restricts new housing in the open countryside except in a number of special circumstances. The proposal would not comply with any of the 5 criteria listed in the policy. The site is on a bus…”

“The applicants’ circumstances have changed and so the annexe is no longer needed for family members. The proposal is to let to local people on a long-term basis. They would also accept a condition linking the letting unit to Meadowfield. An additional dwelling would make a small contribution to the supply of housing.”

Officer report

Housing and countryside concerns

The site was considered unsustainable, with infrequent buses and an unlit route without footways, although the proposal would add a small amount of housing.

“Information Classification: PUBLIC route, with the nearest bus stop some 370m away. However, the bus service is infrequent and access to the bus stops is along an unlit road without footways. Occupiers of the dwelling are therefore likely to be reliant on the private car. It is acknowledged that occupiers of the annexe could well generate additional car journeys, although by their nature this would be less than an independent dwelling.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council supported the application, while the rights of way consultees raised no objection subject to keeping the route open and unobstructed.

“Information Classification: PUBLIC 14. Public Rights of Way Team Thank you for consulting the Public Rights of Way Team in respect of the impact of the Planning Application upon the Rights of Way network. I can confirm that the Public Rights of Way Team in its role as Highway Authority for Public Rights of Way has NO OBJECTION to the proposal. The Public Right of Way must remain open and unobstructed at all times.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A parish councillor and another supporter spoke in favour of the application, with the supporter answering a committee question.

Members’ discussion

Members considered supporting the proposal with occupancy restrictions, while recognising the need for care about setting a precedent.

“The restriction of occupancy use could be conditioned, but Members should consider planning policy when determining applications.”

“The application could be supported with appropriate occupancy restricting conditions; Care should be taken when considering these types of applications and in not setting a precedent; The application should be supported.”

Minutes

The vote

Members unanimously voted to grant delegated authority to approve the application subject to conditions and a unilateral undertaking.

“RESOLVED that delegated authority be granted to the Chief Planning Officer to approve application PA25/08086 subject to the following conditions:-”

“Unilateral Undertaking to tie the existing dwelling and the proposed dwelling in the same ownership and restricting its occupancy to a local connection in accordance with the affordable housing criteria or a key worker.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Approval was authorised because the existing building could provide accommodation for a local person or key worker despite conflict with development plan policies.

“The reasons given by the Proposer for wishing to approve the application were despite conflict with the development plan policies in view of the lack of a 5 year housing land supply the proposal will make use of an existing building to provide accommodation for a local person or a key worker.”

Minutes