Public inquiry to decide whether property in Godshill Wood, New Forest, should be torn down

A PUBLIC inquiry will to determine whether a property built in the New Forest bigger than approved plans must be torn down.

As reported in the A&T, the three-bedroom house replaced a smaller bungalow at the site, known as Paysanne in Godshill Wood, near Fordingbridge.

Owners Ian and Angela Vickers were granted permission by the NPA in 2018 to demolish the property and build the new home in its place, complete with a detached garage and office above.

But the NPA later launched enforcement action after refusing a retrospective application to allow the couple to keep changes to the original designs.

Discrepancies include the building being 1.2 metres longer, at a different orientation and location on the site, and changes to the roof.

Documents submitted to the NPA on behalf of the owners, who have requested an inquiry, stated: "The appellants will argue that any alterations to the building are not of such significance as to warrant enforcement action and that consent should be granted for the dwelling as built.

"In addition and in the alternative, it will also be argued that the required remedy is excessive and any outstanding concerns (if any) can be mitigated through the grant of planning permission for an amended scheme."

The statement added: "The appeal has generated substantial local interest sufficient to warrant an inquiry as opposed to dealing with the case by a hearing."

A spokesperson for the NPA told the A&T: "An appeal has been lodged with the planning inspectorate, by the applicants, against an enforcement notice served following refusal of the replacement dwelling house as built.

"The planning inspectorate has agreed with the applicant that the appeal should be heard by way of a public inquiry although no date has yet been set.

"Public consultation is currently under way in respect of the appeal and any comments in relation to this should be received by the Planning Inspectorate by 6th August."