211289
to continue to use the building (when refurbished) for residential rehabilitation use. The building was previously in continuous use since 2001 as a rehabilitation facility until it was damaged by a fire in 2018. Planning Permission is sought to repair and rebuild the fire damaged building and provide a rear single storey extension of 60m2. The building comprises 8 double bedrooms, shower room, toilets, staff room, plant room, gym, kitchen/utility, reception/office, stores, day rooms and resident rooms. The works include new fire safety systems, emergency lighting and fire escape doors. The total floor area of the extended single storey building will be 582.9m2. The building footprint will be smaller than the fire damaged building. All
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development is located in an unsustainable, unserviced rural area inappropriate for the intensification of healthcare/rehabilitation services and lacks sufficient evidence of adequate wastewater treatment capacity.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The location in an undesignated and unserviced rural area is considered inappropriate for the intensification of addiction rehabilitation services, as such facilities should be located in designated settlements with accessible services and public transport.
- The applicant failed to submit a site suitability assessment or sufficient technical data to prove that the existing on-site wastewater treatment system and percolation area can safely support the proposed occupancy and extension.
- The development would constitute haphazard and unsustainable development in the open countryside, which would be injurious to the rural character of the area and prejudicial to public health.