Councillors grant retrospective planning permission over potential costs of appeal

A property developer has been allowed to keep a structure built in green belt without planning permission after West Lancashire Borough Council heard of fears that it might lose an appeal if it refused retrospective consent.

David Whitaker built the summerhouse in the grounds of his home Otterbrook near Southport.

He sought planning permission for retention of the single storey summerhouse, which measures 12m in length, 5m in width and has an overall height of 2.6 metres. with attached pergola and patio.

An officer’s report said the scale and massing of the summerhouse meant it “clearly reads as a subordinate extension in the context of the main dwelling” which was not considered inappropriate development in the green belt as it would not be harmful to its openness.

The report recommended acceptance and concluded: “The location of the structure does not impact upon the residential amenity of the adjoining occupiers and the design/layout is considered appropriate in the context of the main dwelling.”

Councillors heard there had been an objection from a neighbour but were told there was a risk of losing a costly appeal were they to reject Mr Whitaker’s application.