Bransgore homeowner whose property was destroyed by fire appeals against New Forest District Council's refusal of replacement dwelling

A HOMEOWNER whose Bransgore cottage was destroyed in a blaze last year has challenged New Forest District Council’s rejection of his plans to rebuild his home.

Christopher Ellison applied for permission for a new three-bedroom house at Corboy, Wiltshire Road, after a fire tore through it in January 2021.

As reported in the A&T, more than 70 firefighters battled through the night to contain the blaze at the Grade II listed cottage.

However, the application for its replacement was turned down by NFDC on the grounds that it would be “inappropriate and unsympathetic” due to its size, scale and appearance.

It would also have an adverse impact upon the character of the surrounding area, it said.

A council report explained: “In view of the current living circumstances of the applicant and their family, the proposed dwelling has been chosen from a company who offer a complete ‘turn key’ package on the basis that it would result in a finished home quicker than a more traditionally constructed house.”

It added: “This has resulted in some issues which arose being difficult to address.

“Whilst it would have been preferable to have had a dwelling with lower eaves and fewer windows, the applicant has worked with the company and as a result, a smaller rear projection, first floor windows and provision of a ‘fake’ window are now proposed in order to help address these concerns.”

However, the appeal stated: “The original dwelling was two-storey with three bedrooms – just as the

“The new proposal has been specifically designed to ensure that no windows overlook either neighbouring property.

“The proposed dwelling plot lies a considerable distance – 48 metres – to the closest Wiltshire Road frontage and is not visible to the public.”

But the application attracted three letters of objections from locals, who raised concerns over a loss of light and privacy, and said the footprint of the new property was “considerably larger”.

One neighbour feared the development could set a precedent.

Bransgore Parish Council recommended refusal and said the new dwelling would be an overdevelopment of the site.

The appeal will be decided on the basis of written representations submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol by 14th June.