Hi all, I have submitted my planning application for a hut in the West highlands. The case officer has changed the description to 'erection of a residential unit'. I have tried to explain that I think this is incorrect and why, but the reply is that 'as this hut is to be used for recreational accommodation then this is a residential unit'. Should I just accept this, or would it be better to argue further to try to have it described as a hut? My application falls 100% within the hut definition. I am worried that planning approval for 'a residential unit' would less likely be approved. Also had an issue about the fee, they first asked to pay £400 but are now willing to accept £202 'if I am not going to be putting any cooking facilities within the building'. Any advice or thoughts are appreciated!
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Maybe you've answered this yourself already. In planning terms, as you say, a HUT is defined in SPP, so it should be called a HUT in the planning application. It's typically off grid but cooking facilities should be irrelevant - could be a wood burning stove, or any portable camping appliance. You could tell them there will not be a 'cooker'.
Totally agree, the idea of having a Hut defined in planning policy is supposed to make it easier, unfortunately it seems those of us who are in the forefront of this will have to take the brunt of being the champions and explainers! There's a Hut application currently with East Lothian Planning Department in the wood we're going to build in. I understand the Planner will approve but currently local residents have lodged complaints, not sure on what basis and trying to find out. And I've been advised that since as you say it's totally off grid they should not need to know what's inside. Would be good to continue to compare notes as support each other where we can.
Yes, mutual support is helpful and also shows others what's needed. You probably know that you can find some correspondence for the East Lothian applications (assuming this is Bolton Muir?) on the Council's online planning application files but they don't seem to be fully updated. I've already advised one of the plot owners there to work together with others to ensure the strongest and best co-ordinated case for huts at that location. Interesting to see you suggest the Planner is likely to approve - from what I've seen they're taking. fairly tough line, as is often the case with development in East Lothian's countryside.
Thanks, and I agree: sharing experiences can be very helpful to others. My application is now being looked at as a residential hut (though I just described it as a small wooden hut), which is ok I guess, better than a ‘unit’. I managed to get it through with the lower fee, I confirmed that I would not install cooking facilities. It did take explaining a few times, every person in the planning office through whose hands my application passed wrote me the same again: 1. that I should pay the full fee & 2. that I needed to include my parking area on my site plan (I explained several times that there will only be pedestrian access - car access is impossible). But they accepted it eventually so it’s just a matter of politely explaining as many times as needed. When (if!) my application is granted I will share some more information about my project :-)