Help with appeal please

[davewaring]

Any planning experts out there? Do I have any legal recourse to support an appeal against a planning application refusal?
Briefly, we live in greenbelt and applied for a modest 2 storey side extension which was refused. It is exactly the same as our semi detached neighbours extension (also in greenbelt) that was approved by the same planning authority - no change in policy or law has occurred since their approval. The application was supported by all neighbours. Any advice greatly appreciated

 

[oldbutnotdead]

On what grounds was the application rejected? (If your local authority is on the case you can just copy and paste the relevant bits from the refusal letter here- redact your address of course )

 

[^woody^]

You need to challenge the reasons for refusal only, because that what the appeal is about.

As part of that you bring in factors to support why you think the council were wrong. The neighbour's extension may be a supporting factor, but it's not a precedent or a reason why your extension should be approved.

 

[davewaring]

Thanks. It was rejected because of being inappropriate based on size affecting openness. They quote a 30% guideline yet next door is 50%

 

[Footsoldier888]

By greenbelt do you mean conservation area???

Don't know if it's possible to dig down on a side extension so as to reduce the mass??? Or can the roof design be altered?

Woody will sort if for ya

 

[davewaring]

We are keen to balance the building. But will look at other options. Just very surprised that it can be approvable 6m away but not in our location

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Out of interest was none of this pointed out to the officer during the decision process?

 

[davewaring]

Yes. He emailed to say he was going to approve. Then next day it was refused with no notice

 

[JohnD]

the committee of councillors makes the approve/disapprove decision. The council employee only makes a recommendation.

Perhaps you have a neighbour in the Masons.

 

[davewaring]

Neighbours supported application. But yes perhaps 'behind the scenes' decisions going on when neighbour got theirs approved

 

[^woody^]

the committee of councillors makes the approve/disapprove decision. The council employee only makes a recommendation.

No, it would normally have been dealt with under delegated powers by a senior planner.

If the decision was made by the planning committee, then the OP would have been notified that this was to be, and given oportunity to attend the meeting and present his case.

Get a copy of the planners report.