23820
of works and change of use from single storey outbuilding to single storey one-bed guest studio with store rooms and WC at attic level. Permission is also sought for demolitions, extensions and alterations to the existing storey and half type 3-bedroom house. This includes raising the wallplate and building the roof at a higher level to form a true two storey house to include 4 no. Bedrooms, 5 no. rooflights, demolition of the existing sun-room, and replacement with a new sun-room, construction of an extension at the first floor level to cover the existing terrace, construction of a porch , elevational changes and internal alterations throughout, and a deep energy retrofit, including external insulation to all external walls and installation of a sustainable heating system and solar panels. Ancillary works and some landscaping works are also proposed
Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommends refusal on three grounds: failure to demonstrate an exceptional economic or social rural housing need in an 'Area Under Urban Influence', negative visual impact on a 'Visually Sensitive Area' due to elevated siting and hedgerow removal, and traffic hazard due to insufficient control over lands required for sightlines.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant, who works remotely, does not demonstrate a site-specific economic or social need to reside in this rural area as required by National Policy Objective 19 and local housing policy.
- The development's elevated position and the substantial removal of roadside hedgerow would be visually obtrusive and detrimental to the character of the 'Visually Sensitive Area'.
- The applicant has not demonstrated sufficient legal interest or updated consent to achieve and maintain necessary sightlines over adjoining third-party lands, posing a risk to public safety.