28 January 2009

Joe Townsend Planning Application Statement

There has been widespread media interest in the decision by Wealden's Development Control South planning subcommittee regarding an application for a bungalow for Royal Marine Joe Townsend, who was injured in Afghanistan. Wealden District Council's Head of Planning and Building Control, Kelvin Williams, has made the following statement:

"The Council seeks to support families who need to provide extended care facilities but the erection of a new bungalow out side of the development boundary would be intrusive and be in direct conflict with existing policies to restrain building in rural areas.

We have suggested an alternative which would involve building an annexe on to the existing dwelling belonging to a family member. Alternatively there is the possibility to convert an existing storage building at the rear of the existing dwelling to provide the required independent accommodation. The council has already indicated to the agent and family members we are happy to discuss such a revised proposal."

Please direct any comments to: PR@wealden.gov.uk