The Orchard, Charley Road, Charley (garage conversion to a self-build dwelling)

Tier label used

hamlet (bottom of the settlement hierarchy)

The tier sentence ¶6

“the site aligns with the definition of a hamlet which sits at the bottom of the settlement hierarchy”

The route sentence ¶10

“The surrounding roads are unlit and lack footways and so walking to those settlements would not be convenient.”

Summary

Conversion of a domestic garage in the hamlet of Charley to a self-build home. A similar scheme had been dismissed on appeal under the previous Framework. The location was found poor again: no public transport, unlit roads with no footways, and occupiers reliant on the car, in conflict with the local plan. But under the 2026 Framework the re-use of an existing building is a form of development S5 says should be approved, the TR3 conflict was held to be limited for one dwelling, and a secured self-build home got substantial weight. Allowed on an appeal planning officer's recommendation.

The location finding

• TR3: harm. no public transport nearby, unlit roads without footways, occupiers heavily reliant on private vehicles (DL 10); but low traffic from one dwelling means minimal environmental effects and no realistic rural improvements exist or would be proportionate, so "the conflict with the principles under Policy TR3 would be limited" (DL 18-19); the TR3(1)(a) genuine-choice test is not addressed