PLANNING COMMITTEE SUCCESS – Self-Build Dwelling Approved in Open Countryside 🏡🎉

WE DID IT!! After a challenging planning journey, we're delighted to have secured planning permission for a contemporary self-build dwelling in the open countryside following a successful planning committee meeting last night.

The project began with a Class Q Prior Approval application to convert an existing timber-framed barn, which was unfortunately refused on the basis that there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate the building's agricultural use.

Some may have given up at this point and viewed the idea of gaining planning permission for a new dwelling outside of settlement limits as speculative, but not us. Rather than viewing that as the end of the road we took a different approach.

If the Local Planning Authority considered there to be insufficient evidence that the building had been used for agriculture, then there was also a compelling argument that the site should instead be regarded as previously developed land. Combined with its sustainable location immediately adjacent to the settlement boundary and the Council's acknowledged shortfall in delivering self-build plots, we identified a robust planning case for a new self-build dwelling.

The application wasn't without its challenges. Despite objections from the Parish Council and the proposal being called to Planning Committee by the local ward councillor, the planning officer recommended approval.
Following an 8-hour round trip to deliver a concise three-minute presentation in support of the scheme, we were able to convince the committee, who voted overwhelmingly in favour of the proposal, approving the application by 8 votes to 1.

This project is a great example of how careful policy analysis, creative thinking and persistence can unlock development opportunities on sites that might initially appear to have little planning potential.

A huge congratulations to our client, who can now begin the exciting next stage of bringing their dream self-build home to life.

Now onto the detailed design… watch this space.