The client approached GSP regarding seeking a permission for a replacement bungalow and detached outbuilding for a retired couple. As the site was in the Green Belt, GSP’s strategy firstly involved seeking a prior approval for a larger rear home extension, adding 8 metres to the depth of the property and 80 square metres of floor area.

With this prior approval having been secured, GSP then applied for a replacement dwelling and outbuilding also proposing to demolish the existing outbuilding and incorporate a volume of built form akin to the existing built form, that included a detached garage within 5 metres of the existing dwelling, plus the approved rear extension.

GSP’s case was that Green Belt very special circumstances existed on this occasion. Sevenoaks accepted this argument, noting that the existing property and outbuilding plus the approved rear extension would amount to a 227% increase in floor area, whilst the proposed replacement dwelling would amount to less than this at 193%. The Council approved the application.