Detached garden annexe at Ambleside The Footpath, Swanton Abbott, Norwich

What was proposed

The application sought a detached garden annexe in the front garden for a dependent relative, incidental to the main dwelling.

“WORSTEAD – PF/25/1687 – Erection of a detached ancillary garden annexe to provide accommodation for a dependent relative, incidental to the main dwellinghouse at Ambleside, The Footpath, Aylsham Road, Swanton Abbott.”

“Seeks to erect a detached annexe within the front garden of the host property. The building is detached from the main dwelling, with a flat roof form, uPVC fenestration and cream render exterior.”

Officer report

Site and planning history

The property is in the countryside, and earlier annexe proposals resulted in an appeal being dismissed and permission being required.

“App No. AP/24/0002 Description Lawful Development Certificate for proposed siting of modular building within curtilage of dwelling for use as an annexe to the main dwelling Outcome Appeal Dismissed…”

“App No. EF/23/2459 Description Lawful Development Certificate for proposed siting of modular building within curtilage of dwelling for use as an annexe to the main dwelling Outcome Permission/Approval required…”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers gave greater weight to adopted policy and found the modest annexe acceptable in principle, with limited design, amenity, highway and parking impacts.

“Whilst ELP Policy HOU 6 attracts significant weight and, under this policy, the detached annexe would be considered a wholly unacceptable proposal in principle, Officers consider that the Committee should give greater weight to the adopted Development Plan, which includes the adopted Core Strategy Policy HO 8.”

“With minimal impacts upon design, amenity, highway safety or parking, it is considered that this application must be determined on the material considerations that arise from the proposals. It is the case that emerging policy HOU 6 is to be afforded significant weight and that the proposals depart from the strict wording requiring all annexes to be attached to the host dwelling.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent was identified as a public speaker, and the committee was reminded of the parish council’s support.

The committee vote

The application was proposed and seconded for approval, then approved unanimously subject to the recommended conditions.

“It was proposed by Cllr Patterson and seconded by Cllr K Toye to approve the application.”

“It WAS RESOLVED unanimously to approve the application subject to the conditions recommended in the report, the final wording of which to be delegated to the Assistant Director of Planning.”

Minutes