Bransgore homeowner whose property was destroyed by fire loses appeal to build replacement

A PLANNING inspector has turned down an appeal by a Bransgore homeowner to build a replacement dwelling after a blaze tore through his 18th century property.

As reported in the A&T, Christopher Ellison applied to New Forest District Council for permission to build the new three-bedroom house at Corboy, Wiltshire Road.

More than 70 firefighters battled through the night to contain the blaze at the Grade 2 listed cottage in January 2021.

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.

The decision was appealed by Mr Ellison but earlier this month a planning inspector agreed with the council and dismissed his plea for its decision to be overturned.

The inspector said in a report that although two-storey in height, the first-floor accommodation was limited and, as such, it had a predominately single-storey character.

It added the proposed eaves height of the new dwelling would be “notably higher” and, combined with a number of proposed windows, would exaggerate the perceived height of the new building.

The report added: “Moreover, the larger first-floor element of accommodation within the proposal, in comparison with the previous building, would contribute to a perceptibly larger-scale building than that which previously existed.”

The development would be visible from the rear of a number of neighbouring gardens and properties, the report said, and would “be seen as a discordantly high and large-scale building within the rear of the appeal property, to the detriment of the visual amenities of the wider area”.

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 for other larger properties.

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

One neighbour wrote a letter supporting the plans.

The A&T made attempts to approach Mr Ellison for comment.