Extending Homes in Basildon’s Green Belt

We recently secured planning permission for a rear extension of a property that was both in the Green Belt and within a Conservation Area.

The site is located in a rural area between Basildon and Billericay in Essex and comprised an attractive 19th Century cottage that had already been extended in the past.  

For this project we provided professional planning advice and guidance and design services.

Planning Policy Context

Navigating the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and local policies is crucial.

The NPPF emphasises sustainable development and the protection of Green Belt land. Paragraph 147 states the strict criteria for approving developments within the Green Belt, demanding "very special circumstances."

The proposal also had to be informed by Policy BAS GB4 of the local plan, that allows dwellings to extend within defined limits. In the Green Belt, dwellings will be allowed to extend to 90 square metres or by 35 square metres over and above the original floor area of the dwelling (or the area as at 1 July 1948), whichever is the greater

Planning Assessment

The ‘original dwelling’, had a gross floor area of approximately 112 square metres but had already been extended to 169 square metres. This meant that the previous additions to the original dwellinghouse had already exceeded planning policy allowances.

ADP provided planning and design advice to steer this project and overcome this planning policy requirement.

We engaged the Council in in-depth discussions and pointed out other material considerations in favour of the application, such as the national policy direction that outlines that new extensions to dwellings in the Green Belt should be proportionate to the size of the original dwelling, taking into account factors like mass, bulk, scale and relationship/design to the original dwelling.

Therefore, whilst the proposed extension will result in an additional increase in floorspace over and above the original floorspace of the dwelling, Basildon Council agreed that the proposal was not considered to constitute inappropriate development in the Green Belt nor would harm the openness of its location.

The Council’s conclusions can be summarised as follows:

• Despite exceeding previous addition limits set out in planning policy, the extension maintains proportionality and does not constitute inappropriate development.

• The design-conscious extension, matching the existing dwelling, ensures harmony with the Conservation Area's guidelines.

• The extension's siting mitigates visual and residential impact on neighbouring properties.

We are delighted that Basildon Council granted planning permission in support of this residential extension in the Green Belt.

In navigating the intricacies of extending homes in the Green Belt, the proposed development stands as a testament to meticulous planning, design considerations, and adherence to established policies.

Seeking Expert Guidance for Your Green Belt Project?

Embark on your Green Belt development journey with confidence. For personalised planning and design advice tailored to your project, reach out to ADP at mail@adpltd.co.uk or use the form below. Let our experts guide you through the intricacies of your development, ensuring a seamless and compliant process.