A call for an annexe to allow a Pembrokeshire woman to live on site caring for her elderly parents, after a previous approved scheme was made unviable by a costly to move electricity pole, has been given the go-ahead.
In an application recommended for approval at the April meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, Dr Amanda John sought permission for ancillary accommodation in the rear garden of Cwmderi, Llanrhian.
A supporting statement through agent GMW Design said: “Additional accommodation is required to enable the applicant and their partner—whose current tenancy is coming to an end—to reside at Cwmderi on a full-time basis.
“This will allow them to remain in the local area and provide ongoing support to the applicant’s elderly parents, who have existing health needs.”
It added that a previous application had already been approved for ancillary accommodation located to the southwest of the dwelling, in the rear garden area but needed to be slightly amended in terms of location and structure.
Planners had advised a full planning application would need to be resubmitted.
An officer report for members said: “The previous consents approved a scheme similar to that currently which has come about due to the need to relocate the annexe.
“The previous consent did not accurately take account of an electricity pole in the application site (which can only be moved at great expense).
“The position of the previously consented annexe is approximately nine metres north of the current scheme and is otherwise of a similar orientation to the current proposal parallel to the host dwelling.”
Speaking in support of the applicant at the meeting, local member Cllr Neil Prior said the need for the accommodation was “genuine and compelling,” adding: “It’s not a speculative development or a step towards new dwelling.”
Also speaking at the meeting, Dr John said there was an essential need for her and her partner to be there for her aging parents, the application a “careful and balanced response for a genuine family need”.
Approval of the scheme, which includes conditions to ensure that the property cannot be used for holiday letting or for any separate commercial letting use, was moved by committee chair Cllr Simon Hancock, who said there were “significant material reasons for a departure [from planning policy]” and was unanimously supported by members.
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