House that’s too big need not be demolished

PLANNING bosses have decided a house that was built too big and to the wrong design need not be demolished.
They have approved a retrospective application for the house in Mustard Lane, Croft.
Planning consent was given six years ago, but when the property was eventually built it was bigger and of a different design to the approved plans.
As a result there were complaints from Croft Parish Council, who pointed out that if the development was approved it would undermine planning regulations in a Green Belt area.
A neighbour also objected, claiming the development contravened their own enjoyment of the Green Belt.
Mem bers of the planning committee were told that in 2009 plans for a two storey dwelling to replace an existing house were approved but never implemented.
The house that had now been built was about 40 per cent larger than the original dwelling but only three per cent larger than the house approved in 2009.
While the design of the house differed from the one approved in 2009, it more accurately reflects the appearance of the original dwelling.
It represented inappropriate development in the Green Belt as it was materially larger than the original building on the site, but it did not significantly impact on the openness of the Green Belt when compared with the house approved in 2009.
Councillors decided although they were unhappy the house had not been built in accord with the approved plans there had been significant discussion with planning officers to minimise problems.
The objectors house was 80 metres away and was not significantly affected.