A resident has won permission for a new home after councillors came to his defence to overturn a "subjective" refusal recommendation. Members of West Suffolk Council’s development control committee met to discuss Trevor Croning’s application for a new self-build home in Coulson Lane, Brandon. The project failed to attract the support of planning officers, however, with their report concluding its design was not coherent or balanced, it was positioned poorly in relation to the surrounding area and it would not enhance the character of the area.
Speaking in support of the application, councillor Victor Lukaniuk, who represents Brandon , said the proposed design was "fashion at the moment". He added: “This is a self-build on an individual plot with an individual style which should be encouraged. “Coulson Lane is a complete kaleidoscope of styles, from 19th century cottages to modern houses, and nobody objects.
It’s a subjective thing, a matter of taste and a matter of choice." This view was shared by most members of the committee, who said the officer’s assessment of the application was "subjective rather than factual". After nailing down planning conditions, councillors decided to overturn the officer’s recommendation and approve Mr Croning’s application, with 14 votes in favour, one against and one abstention.
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