Project Overview
In Albrighton, we achieved planning permission for a single-storey timber annexe in the West Midlands Green Belt. The new annexe replaced an existing summerhouse and provided independent yet connected living space for the applicant’s elderly mother.
The Challenge
The site sits within the West Midlands Green Belt, where planning policy strongly restricts new buildings. Local and national guidance require careful justification to demonstrate that development does not harm openness or character.
The family needed an annexe that enabled their mother to live close by while retaining privacy and independence. This meant securing planning permission for a detached structure, which can often be challenging in the Green Belt.
Our Approach
We prepared a detailed Planning, Design & Access Statement to show that the annexe was:
- Ancillary to the main dwelling – sharing access, services, garden space, and curtilage.
- Modest in scale – 41sqm compared with the 229sqm main dwelling, ensuring it remained subordinate.
- A replacement structure – built on the footprint of an existing summerhouse, limiting additional impact.
- Well-screened and discreet – enclosed by mature trees and vegetation, with no effect on public views.
- Supportive of personal need – providing essential accommodation for an elderly relative requiring care.
We supported the case with legal precedents and relevant appeal decisions, showing that annexes with a strong ancillary relationship can be acceptable in the Green Belt.
The Outcome
Shropshire Council approved the application, recognising the clear justification and limited impact of the proposal. Planning permission was granted for the annexe, ensuring the applicant’s mother could live close to family support while preserving the openness of the Green Belt.
Why This Matters
This case demonstrates that with careful design, robust planning arguments, and clear evidence of need, it is possible to gain planning permission for an annexe in the Green Belt. The project is not just a planning success but also a human success, enabling multigenerational living, supporting family care, and reducing pressure on state services.
Get In Touch
👉 If you’re considering an annexe project, especially in the Green Belt, we’d be delighted to help. Please get in touch to discuss your plans.
www.napc.uk | 01285 283200 | info@napc.uk
