Application for large ancillary building approved in Wiltshire
Updated
When RCC were approached to explore options for a new ancillary building by a client we have previously worked for there were some immediate issues of concern. One was that the existing building was clearly going to be considered an undesignated heritage asset (and the council would seek to resist its demolition) and the second issue was the scale of the ancillary building and location away from the main house.
The second issue was one RCC have had to deal with on numerous occasions with annex and ancillary accommodation being very popular for those with older parents or those who want extra accommodation for guests. We were therefore able to ensure the council were fully aware of the planning case law on such matters and the planning officer accepted our case on this matter.
The heritage issue did however get raised by the conservation officer who objected to the loss of the building. In order to address this issue, we had in advance applied for a prior approval application to demolish the building and, because the building was unlisted and outside of a conservation area, there were no grounds for the council to refuse that application. The planning officer confirmed that on that basis there were no grounds to resist the new build ancillary building and the planning permission was granted.
We would add, that the building was in a very poor condition and it was not realistic for it to be converted but we know that doesn't get accepted easily by conservation officers. The new building will also be built using an oak frame and traditional techniques.
