Two-bedroom dwelling at Pipistrel House, Backbarrow

“This application seeks planning permission for the construction of a detached, two bedroom dwelling in the garden that lies to the north of Pipistrel House. The proposals would replace an existing single storey timber garage.”

“The application site comprises an elevated plot of land adjacent to Pipistrel House, a detached dwelling located between the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway line and Finsthwaite Lane in Backbarrow. The railway line is recorded on the Historic Environment Record (HER 5546), and the designation partially overlaps the western edge of the application site.”

“The most recent information on housing need within this area is contained within South Lakeland’s Strategic Housing and Economic Needs Assessment (SHENA) 2023. The greatest need in the Lake District National Park sub-area is for two-bedroom dwellings with 52% of the market housing need made up of this size of house.”

“I am satisfied that the proposals are of an appropriate design and scale, which reflect the character and appearance of the area and reflect the principles contained within the Design Code SPD. The development would not encroach onto or detract from the setting of the railway line. The development therefore satisfies the requirements of Local Plan Policies 01, 02, 05, 06 and 07 the Lake District Design Code SPD and the NPPF.”

“Haverthwaite Parish Council object to the application on the following grounds: • The scale of the development is not in-keeping with the surroundings. • Amenity issues through overshadowing and overbearing effect. • Concerns about access onto the highway. • Proximity to the highway. • Proximity to the railway. • If permitted, a local occupancy condition is requested.”

“United Utilities have provided the following comments: • Developers and Local Planning Authorities are required to do all that they can to avoid surface water entering the public sewer, unless absolutely necessary. This applies to all proposed development. • All options for the sustainable management of surface water must be thoroughly investigated before we will accept any surface water connections from new development to the public sewer.”

“We have received one letter of representation which can be summarised as follows: • Concerned that once the applicants move into the proposed dwelling, the existing house (Pipistrel House) would be used as an AirBnb or holiday let. • Concerns about highway issues during the construction phase of the development through the parking of construction and site workers vehicles on the public highway.”

“Motion to approve the application with conditions Proposed by [name withheld] by [name withheld] were unanimously in favour of the motion…”