GraceMachin have successfully obtained planning permission by delegated powers for extra habitable accommodation associated with an existing dwelling on the edge of Ravenshead, Nottinghamshire. The site is within the Green Belt where most new development is regarded as ‘inappropriate’.

Clients wish was to extend onto the front of his existing detached garage and to then convert the entire space into a third bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. The building would then be adjoined to the existing dwelling with a new ‘glazed link’.

GraceMachin promoted the application proposal on the basis that both local and national planning policy sets out that alterations to buildings in the Green Belt can sometimes be permitted provided they don’t result in disproportionate additions over and above the site of the original building.

We set out to the Council that this application would not result in any detrimental impact upon the openness of the Green Belt.

The proposal was designed to retain the openness of the locality.

Our view was that the visual impression of built development at the site would be limited and the proposal would not harm the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, or any other harm. We considered the proposed development to be generally compliant with the aims and objectives of local and national planning policy and saw no basis for the Council to withhold planning consent.

We considered our client’s proposal to represent an appropriate development in the Green Belt and one where the planning ‘harm’ would be negligible.

Proposal was discussed informally with Planning Officers at Gedling Borough Council before the planning application was made. Initial feedback received was generally positive.

From the date the planning application was formally submitted to the Council, full planning permission was granted in 8 weeks.

We are delighted to have secured yet another planning consent for our client who we have now worked with on several projects in the past five years.