Planning frustrations...

When the couple submitted their application, the planning officer took a dislike to the oak cladding on the side of the cottage (intended to look like a converted outbuilding) despite it matching with the garage in their previous home next door. She also asked to see an L-shaped layout as she felt the house filled the width of the plot too much – and didn’t like the building height. e Holdens felt frustrated, especially as neighbours on the other side were allowed to build a much taller house. “e planner’s comments felt like opinions rather than valid objections”, says Billie. “Our son was already over six foot tall and we didn’t want him to have to crouch in his bedroom”. Mark organised a meeting with the planners. He showed them two sets of plans – one with the L-shaped layout as requested. “We knew this didn’t look right on the plot and fortunately the chief officer agreed with us”, says Billie. “He also approved the cladding and said he’d pass our application as long as we reduced the head height by 30cm, which we did”.