Replacement home and pool at Woodleys The Common, Southwold

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing chalet bungalow and building a 1.5-storey replacement home with a garage, swimming pool and external works.

“DC/25/1867/FULLocation Woodleys The Common Southwold Suffolk IP18 6HR Statutory determination date29 July 2025 Application typeFull Application ApplicantMr & [name withheld] & Kate Squire ParishSouthwold ProposalDemolition of an existing chalet bungalow and construction of a 1.5 storey replacement dwelling and associated garage, swimming pool and external works.”

“1.Summary 1.1.The proposal seeks permission for the replacement of a chalet bungalow with a new dwellinghouse. 1.2.Considered against all relevant material planning matters, the application is deemed sustainable and therefore recommended for approval in accordance with the NPPF and the relevant policies of the adopted development plan.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is a corner plot on Southwold Common within the settlement boundary, conservation area and the setting of nearby listed buildings.

“The site falls within flood zone 1 with some minor surface water flood risk to the southwest of the site. 2.2.The site is within the Seaside Suburban Character Area of the Southwold Conservation Area. The existing building on the site is not identified as a positive unlisted building and therefore it is not considered to contribute to the character or appearance of the Conservation Area.”

Officer report

What people said

An objector and a town council councillor opposed the scheme, while the agent supported its design, revisions, family use and construction arrangements.

Members discussed the proposal

Members debated the building’s appearance, scale, conservation setting, revisions, local concerns, construction traffic and the weight to give to professional advice.

“Councillor Beavan said this was difficult, he thought it was an ugly building, but it was difficult to find a reasonable excuse to reject it. Looking at design and acceptability in a conservation area, this was subjective, and it was difficult to object on the basis of design. He felt they should be sympathetic to local opinion. The Paddock was a very special place. He would abstain.”

“Councillor Ashton said following the initial application and consultee comments, these were taken on board, he asked had it gone far enough. There were experts who were independent of both the applicants and objectors, he could see no reason why he as a councillor should not just take that advice, he shared concerns but was happy to propose it was accepted.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

Councillors proposed and seconded approval, and the committee resolved to approve the application subject to eleven conditions.

“On the proposal of Councillor Ashton, seconded by Councillor Pitchers, it was…”

“That the application be APPROVED subject to conditions. Conditions: Year time limit…”

Minutes