Self-build house and garage at Dene Cottage, Swanmore, Southampton

What was proposed

Outline permission was sought for a four-bedroom self-build house and garage in the rear garden, with all detailed matters reserved.

“This application seeks outline consent for a self-build dwellinghouse, with all matters reserved. The proposed dwelling would be sited within the rear garden of Dene Cottage.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a large detached home and garden within Swanmore’s settlement boundary, beside the recreation ground and surrounded by residential development.

“The application site comprises a large detached dwellinghouse within the settlement boundary of Swanmore. The application site is located on the southern side of New Road, surrounded by other residential development that lines the southern side of the road. The site lies adjacent to Swanmore Recreation ground. The existing dwelling is a two-storey detached dwellinghouse comprised of red brick and set underneath a red tiled roof.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered a rear conservatory and garage extension with a new roof over the garage and kitchen.

“Application Ref.: Proposal Decision & Date 05/01098/FUL Conservatory to rear Permitted 16/06/2005 80/01362/OLD Erection of garage extension and new roof over garage and kitchen Permitted 17/06/1980”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the indicative development was considered acceptable in principle, compatible with the area and capable of protecting neighbouring amenity through detailed design.

“The application site is located within the settlement boundary of Swanmore and is noted as a Larger Rural Settlement. Policy H3 notes development that accords with the Development Plan will be permitted and Swanmore falls within this list as having a defined settlement boundary. The proposal is therefore considered acceptable in principle, subject to compliance with the relevant policies of the Winchester District Local Plan 2020–2040.”

“As this is an outline application with all matters reserved the plans provided are indicative and do not provide detail of what would be built out at this stage. A previously refused outline permission (12/00319/OUT) at Whitsbury has been highlighted. The site of Whitsbury is located to the south of the site of Dene Cottage with the properties of West Winds and Park View in between.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Drainage, environmental health and Natural England raised no objection subject to conditions, while highways required detailed access, parking and turning arrangements.

“Service Lead – Public Protection (Environmental Health) – No Objection subject to condition…”

“The Highway Authority raises no objection in principle, confirming that the access has adequate visibility. However, it notes that insufficient detail has been provided to demonstrate safe on-site access, turning, and parking arrangements. It therefore recommends that, if permission is granted, conditions are imposed to secure appropriate parking, manoeuvring space, and access design in the interests of highway safety.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector and the parish council’s representative spoke against the proposal, while the ward member presented residents’ concerns.

Committee discussion

Members questioned the proposal and received legal advice about the statutory framework for self-build and custom housebuilding.

“The committee proceeded to ask questions and debate the application. During discussion on the item, the committee received advice from the Legal Adviser regarding the statutory framework governing self-build and custom housebuilding, specifically regarding the relevance of the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 and the council’s register as material planning considerations.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted permission with the report’s conditions and informatives, requiring the reserved matters application to return for committee determination.

“That the committee agreed to grant permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report, in addition it was agreed that the subsequent reserved matters application be brought back to the committee for determination to ensure scrutiny of the detailed design, layout, and potential overlooking impacts on neighbouring properties.”

Minutes