A householder is asking permission to let out the granny flat he recently got planning permission for.
Sean Avis applied to build the annexe in the garden of his house in Carden Hill in February.
He described it as a studio room with ensuite bathroom and separate kitchenette for granny flat accommodation.
It was approved in July – but with a condition saying it could not be let out, as the planning department said a separate residential unit would harm the residential amenity and the character of the area.
In his latest application, Mr Avis says: “The annexe already provides its own kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living accommodation, together with a separate private side entrance.
“The proposal is solely to vary the restriction on occupation so that the existing approved accommodation can be occupied independently. No
additional building works or physical subdivision of the property are proposed.
“The proposed use would be on a normal residential tenancy basis and would be occupied by a single tenant rather than being used as holiday
or short-term accommodation.
“Only one additional vehicle is anticipated, resulting in very limited additional parking and traffic associated with the use.
“The annexe would remain within the existing residential property and garden. No new boundary, fence, wall or other physical subdivision
between the annexe and the main dwelling is proposed.
“I have considered the reasons given for the condition, including the protection of the character of the area and the amenities of neighbouring
properties and potential future occupants.
“I consider that occupation by a single residential tenant, using the existing approved accommodation and existing private access, would not result in an unacceptable impact on neighbouring residential amenity or materially alter the character or appearance of the area.
“The proposed variation would allow the existing approved accommodation to be put to a practical and beneficial residential use without
requiring any physical alteration to the development.
“The rental income would also provide important financial support for our family and assist with the ongoing costs of maintaining the property
and supporting the household.”
I for one am shocked and stunned. Nobody saw this happening.
‘Granny flat” isn’t defined in Planning law, and so it is just an annexe on the house for habitable accommodation, so I don’t really see that the council technically have any grounds to enforce not letting it out, same as any other part of the house.
Alternatively, live in the Granny Annexe (it’s an annexe, not a flat) and let out the main house. Job done.