Bedsit for Ukrainian family built on greenbelt land at Oak House in Everton is refused retrospective planning permission

A BEDSIT chalet built on greenbelt land as a home for a Ukrainian family has been refused planning permission by New Forest District Council.

The structure on land at Oak House on Milford Road in Everton was the subject of a retrospective planning application after it was built without permission.

A report from New Forest District Council’s planning officer Jessica Cooke revealed that while Oak House was located within the boundaries of the New Forest National Park Authority, the 7.2m x 4.3m chalet had been erected on district council land.

In a planning report, Ms Cooke said new dwellings could only be built on greenbelt land in very exceptional circumstances, such as to provide homes for agricultural workers or as affordable housing.

She said: “The proposal would constitute inappropriate development, and on account of its size, scale and position within the landscape, it would have a material impact on the openness of the greenbelt land.”

Stating that the building had the appearance of a “garden shed”, he added: “This is inappropriate for the design of a new dwelling, and the proposal is unacceptable in this respect.”

In a covering letter from Bell Cornwell Town Planners on behalf of the applicant Mr P Cross, it was argued the chalet be allowed to remain temporarily to house a Ukrainian family because of the ‘very special circumstances’ created by the ongoing conflict.

“The war in Ukraine is a humanitarian crisis,” stated the letter. “Unicef confirms the war has destroyed homes and infrastructure and damaged important public services such as hospitals.

“The Red Cross estimates more than six million people have fled Ukraine with nothing.

“The chalet provides a safe place for these refugees to live while they rebuild their lives, in the hope the conflict ends.”

However, the planning refusal stated that although officers “sympathised” with the circumstances, the building was of a “poor standard” and other buildings on the site, such as a holiday let, could be used as alternative accommodation if needed.

There were four letters of support for the application, with one praising the kindness of the applicant and the positive contribution the home would make to the community. It would have “no adverse impact to either neighbours or visitors”, they added.

The retrospective application was refused.