Family allowed to build annex in back garden for disabled son
A Staffordshire mother has told planners that a new annex at her family home will help her disabled son have his own private space.
The plans for the outbuilding at the Thompsons’ home in Chase Terrace, sparked an objection from Burntwood Parish Council on the grounds it was a “backyard development”.
The Rugeley Road application was called in for consideration by Lichfield District Council’s planning committee by Councillor Rob Birch for reasons including concerns about the building’s future use and limited parking.
But applicant Rachel Thompson told the committee that her son would be unable to drive due to his medical conditions and so no extra parking was needed.
Town councillor Keith Willis-Croft, who objected to the application at Monday’s committee meeting, said: “Why can’t an extension be put on the rear of the property instead? It would be more in keeping with this property."
Mrs Thompson said the application had been supported by neighbours however.
She added: “It won’t be used for anything else other than bringing up a family in complex circumstances.
“My son is one of four children and he was a very premature baby, born at 24 weeks. He has been left with learning difficulties. He is also a very loving child who brings much joy to our family.
Assurance
“He would be unlikely to hold down a job and he will require support and supervision. Our circumstances mean moving to a larger property is not an option but this will provide independent private space for him.”
Committee members unanimously approved the application for the single-storey annex, which will be built in the back garden and contain a living area, bedroom and wet room.
Councillor Birch said: “The main concerns from Burntwood Town Council were around the assurance the building will remain ancillary to the original dwelling and there are adequate conditions to ensure it can’t be used as a separate building to be sold on so it becomes backyard development.”
Fellow committee member Councillor Diane Evans said: “I have every sympathy with Mrs Thompson – she has a very difficult situation to cope with. When we look at planning applications like this it’s not necessary to take this into consideration but I think in these circumstances we should do.
“The neighbours have not objected and it’s addressing all the needs of that family.”
