A planning inspector has upheld a decision by Pembrokeshire County Council to refuse planning permission for the development of a granny annexe in New Hedges.

The appeal by Mr Dylan Lawrence of Tegside, New Hedges was dismissed by inspector Melissa Hall because “to all intents and purposes, the building would be perceived as a separate new dwelling, albeit of a smaller scale to those adjoining the site.”

She also suggested a lack of adequate parking and amenity space would have “harmful effect on the living conditions of the future occupant(s) of the unit.”

Mr. Lawrence sought to build a granny annexe for his mother in order to provide an affordable property and a degree of care.

He submitted plans for a self-contained, detached, single storey structure with accommodation in the roof space.

However this was refused by Pembrokeshire County Council, the main issues being whether the development made provision for affordable housing.

Mr. Lawrence appealed the decision in March 2018 reasoning that the development is for a granny annexe rather than a new dwelling, and that LDP Policy GN.28 (the need for affordable housing) should not apply.

His appeal was dismissed with Ms Hall adding: “the development would represent a new residential unit within the settlement boundaries of a Service Village defined by the adopted Pembrokeshire Local Development Plan 2013 (LDP) and that LDP Policy GN.28 states that local needs affordable housing will be sought on all housing developments.”

She also added: “There is no evidence before me that the occupant(s) would qualify for affordable housing or that it would remain as an affordable unit in the long term. Neither have I been provided with details of the care needs of the future occupant(s).”