Planning Refusal | Replacement of derelict Chauffer's Lodge | Telegraph Road | Thurstaston

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The reason for refusal here is The Local Planning Authority considers that the proposal would be detrimental to the character and openness of the Green Belt by developing a new dwelling not ancillary to Thor’s Hill. The proposal is considered to be an inappropriate form of development within the Green Belt and is therefore deemed to be contrary to the objectives of Policy GB2 of the adopted Wirral Unitary Development Plan, and the National Planning Policy Framework.

Clearly there is a derelict building here, known as the Chauffeur's Lodge. the building is of little historic merit and it appears housed the car as well as the Chauffeur originally. The scheme for replacement is sensitive and nicely proportioned, but it does add another storey, albeit in the roof.

There are a series of difficulties to overcome here, the lodge is derelict therefore is no longer counted as a dwelling which is a key principal, albeit there must be evidence available of the original use. The original dwelling was ancillary to the main house, not a separate house, in Greenbelt extra dwellings are very difficult to achieve, but it is possible to convert existing structures into dwellings as long as this does not effect the Character and Openness of the Greenbelt.

PAPA SAYS - Start with a scheme to convert the existing structure back to its original use, establish that it can be a dwelling and once this is in place, apply for sensitive alterations and additions, maybe not as ambitious as the existing scheme. Projects of this nature take time.