Subdividing a dwelling with a non attached annexe

[chazzyjeff]

I'll try to keep this short and sweet!

 

A fairly large dwelling has a granny annexe at the bottom of the garden, some 30 metres away. The annexe is not finished but work has been started and this "start of work" has been acknowledged in writing by the planning authority, therefore the PP is live indefinitely and the work can be completed at any time.

 

What happens if the main dwelling is subdivided?

This appears to constitute a change to the planning unit.

Does the annexe remain as per it's original planning permission and become a planning unit with whichever half of the principal dwelling retains the original postal address and a land connection, or could the annexe end up being cast into planning purgatory whereby it wouldn't be allowed to be used/ completed as an annexe or a standalone dwelling and need entirely new PP?

 

The principal dwelling/ overall plot is well suited to subdividing thanks to multiple access points, plenty of surrounding garden and a preexisting kitchen and bathroom at each end of the main house. A frosted window on the stairs and bathroom would completely solve any issues of the breakaway dwelling overlooking the annexe of the "original address".

I've done a fair bit of searching but not coming up with anything which would indicate which way planning policy would dictate.

Any advice much appreciated 🙂 

[DevilDamo]

I personally can’t see how the annexe approval would remain extant. Your best bet may be to reach out to a Planning Consultant.

[kandgmitchell]

My thoughts would be to apply for planning permission for the sub-division of the main dwelling but include the annexe in one or other of the gardens (with an eye to a future use) but making the extant approval and start for it clear in the application. Presumably the council would no objection to approving the building again per se i.e scale, mass, appearance but may of course raise a concern about how it's use would now relate to either of the divided plots.

 

If the sub-division was refused then simply proceed with the original annexe as approved. 

[Alan Ambrose]

>>> planning purgatory

 

Oh that's where I've been for 2 years - I didn't have a name for it .

[BigBub]

Is the annexe being built under Permitted Development or Planning Permission?

[DevilDamo]

8 hours ago, BigBub said:

Is the annexe being built under Permitted Development or Planning Permission?

An annexe on the basis of being self-contained cannot be done via PD.

[chazzyjeff]

On 04/02/2025 at 10:58, BigBub said:

Is the annexe being built under Permitted Development or Planning Permission?

Under planning permission. It's in a national park so permitted development is more restricted