Even thought the settlement boundary was just on the other side of the road this meant the application site was classed as countryside where new build dwellings are not normally permitted. As noted below the proposed dwelling was to be sited beyond the parking area and buildings associated with the cattery.
With the sites location beyond the settlement boundary RCC had to make the planning case using the 'rural workers dwelling' policies. Such policies normally apply to agricultural workers dwellings or dwelling for equine workers but RCC made a robust case as to why it can also apply to a dwelling at a cattery. The council did appoint a third party advisor to assess the functional need and business case for the dwelling but they agreed fully with the case made by RCC and the outline planning permission was granted.
