Inspector approves Cheshire superhome expansion
A Calderpeel-designed extension to a large family home in Cheshire’s Green Belt has been approved on appeal, in a judgment which could have implications for how far other houses can be extended in the area.
The granting of planning consent means the house in Plumley can be expanded by a third, with the addition of 1,921 sq ft in a two-storey extension, taking the total floorspace to 5,818 sq ft. The main extension to the rear has a leisure suite on the ground floor including a swimming pool, and first floor is for a master suite. There are also small extensions planned to the existing wings of the building that will allow the internal space of the existing house to be reconfigured.
The private home is a five-bedroom detached house in 1.7-acres off Trouthall Lane. Currently occupied as a family home, the house is surrounded by mature trees and is not visible from neighbouring properties. The building has not been enlarged since it was built in 1940.
Justin O’ Brien, director at Calderpeel, said: “It is rare for a private home in the Green Belt to be given planning consent for such a substantial extension. This was a significant and hard-fought win on appeal after a planning refusal and could have major ramifications for other houses in the Green Belt area, in relation to the extent to which they too might be extended.”
Calderpeel Architects worked with planning consultant Peter Brett Associates, which managed the appeal and the planning negotiations.
Michael Gilbert, senior associate at Peter Brett Associates, said: “This is an important appeal decision for those wanting to extend their property in this part of the Cheshire East Green Belt. The planning inspector has confirmed that the council’s policy is not consistent with the National Planning Policy Framework, and sets a considerably higher threshold in terms of what could be considered a ‘proportionate addition’. The inspector also afforded significant weight to the fall-back position allowable under permitted development.”
