Fenland's planning committee to discuss Chatteris land plan

The application, by Mrs Carver, which also includes the removal of existing caravan, is set to come before Fenland's planning committee on Wednesday, January 7.

A report to the committee explains that the application is before the councillors because of the number of representations in support of the proposal, which is contrary to the officer's recommendation to refuse.

Among those in support is Chatteris Town Council, which recommended Mrs Carver's application for approval.

There were 11 letters submitted in support of the plans, with comments stating that it would allow multi-generational living and support on the site.

Other comments said the applicant is a "valued member of the community", while another suggested the proposal would cause "minimal disruption" to the surrounding area.

However, the officer's report explains the land is in Flood Zone Three (the highest risk).

It also suggests the application would result in "moderate harm" to the rural character and landscape, and also raises concerns over the siting, scale and domestic curtilage proposed, which has seen a previous application refused.

"The development would introduce a separate residential unit on land beyond the established curtilage, with no functional dependency on the host dwelling," says the report.

Adding: "Although a past permission for an annexe was granted on personal-need grounds, this consent has lapsed and carries limited weight. More recent proposals for similar development were refused."

The officers also point out that: "No evidence has been provided to justify the need for ancillary accommodation or to demonstrate an essential rural requirement."

The report concludes: "Overall, the proposal fails to address the previous reasons for refusal and is considered unsustainable, contrary to key Local Plan policies and national planning guidance. Therefore, the application is recommended for refusal."