Retrospective Planning Permission for the Installation of an Outbuilding for Mobility Scooter Storage

A recent project undertaken by RPE demonstrates the importance of careful planning and sensitivity to individual needs in navigating retrospective planning applications. The case involved the construction and retention of an outbuilding for mobility scooter storage at a residential property in Plymouth, designed to enhance accessibility and quality of life for a senior resident.

The Retrospective Proposal
The applicant constructed a modest outbuilding, measuring approximately six feet in height, in the front garden of 10 Digby Grove, Plymouth. The outbuilding was intended to securely store a mobility scooter for the applicant’s elderly father, enabling him to maintain his independence and mobility within the local area. The application sought to regularise this development following advice from the local council’s enforcement officer.

Key Challenges
Although the site presented no conservation or listing constraints, the proposal required careful evaluation to address key considerations:

1. Policy Compliance: Aligning the proposal with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan.
2. Design and Visual Impact: Ensuring that the structure complemented the character of the main dwelling and surrounding area without compromising the streetscape.
3. Functionality and Security: Providing a secure, accessible, and functional storage space for the mobility scooter while preserving residential amenity.
4. Community and Environmental Benefits: Demonstrating how the development could support the well-being and social inclusion of the occupant while contributing positively to the local community.

Strategic Approach
RPE developed a comprehensive and tailored strategy to overcome these challenges:

• Policy Alignment: The proposal was framed within the three objectives of the NPPF—social, environmental, and economic. It was demonstrated that the development facilitated sustainable travel, improved the social well-being of the elderly occupant, and supported local businesses by enabling easier access to amenities.
• Design Integration: The outbuilding was designed to be subservient to the main dwelling and sympathetic to the existing property and garden. The choice of materials ensured harmony with the streetscape while maintaining ample undeveloped garden space.
• Practicality and Safety: The outbuilding offered secure storage for the mobility scooter without obstructing light or views from the dwelling or neighbouring properties. Its design also incorporated measures to minimise potential crime risks.
• Community Value: By promoting inclusivity and accessibility, the proposal underscored its value to the local community, highlighting how small-scale developments can significantly enhance residents’ lives.

Outcome
The local planning authority approved the retrospective planning application, acknowledging its social, environmental, and economic contributions. The decision underscored the development’s compliance with local and national policies and recognised the applicant’s commitment to maintaining the site’s character while addressing functional needs.

Conclusion

This case highlights RPE’s expertise in handling sensitive planning matters, ensuring a balance between personal requirements and broader planning policies. By prioritising thoughtful design and community-oriented benefits, RPE secured a positive outcome, enabling the applicant to improve their quality of life and fostering a more inclusive local environment.