THE Planning Inspectorate has dismissed an appeal against a decision relating to a site in Brampton.

Stuart Dodd had hoped to build a timber outbuilding at an address in Berrymoor Road but planning permission was refused by Cumberland Council in May 2023.

Mr Dodd lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate, which is based in Bristol, but it was not upheld.

According to the inspector's report a site visit was completed at the end of December and a decision was made last month (January).

The report states that the main issue in the case was the effect of the outbuilding on the character and appearance of the area around Berrymore Road and Parkhead Road.

It adds: "It would appear that the timber outbuilding is an enlargement of an earlier structure that had been in place since December 2012.

"In March 2013, an enforcement officer apparently visited the property and advised that the shed was compliant with the General Permitted Development Order, 2008.

"The council now contends that this advice was incorrect having regard to its position and height.

"Nevertheless, considering the advice given and the time period the outbuilding was in place, it is acknowledged that the outbuilding as originally built in 2012 was immune from enforcement."

According to the report the proposed site was a semi-detached house on a corner plot at the junction of Berrymore Road with Parkhead Road.

It adds: "The junction is at the top of a rise that slopes down to the south and north, such that the appeal property is in a prominent position.

"The outbuilding, as now enlarged, is in place and is a structure sited close to the boundary with the neighbouring 10 Parkhead Road.

"It is a little over six metres long and 5.9 metres wide, and it projects out from the side of the main dwelling to a point between three and four metres from the front/side boundary of the property.

"From the submitted plans, it is between 2.55 and three metres high to the eaves, and a little over four metres high to the ridge of the roof.

"It is constructed with timber cladding to the walls and has a boarded and felted roof.

"Finally, it has large, garage-style doors, also constructed from timber, and is accessed from Parkhead Road."

The report concludes that the outbuilding, by virtue of its scale and appearance as constructed, is a prominent and incongruous structure in the context of the surrounding area.

It adds: "In addition, it would not relate to and complement the existing building in scale, design, and materials, and would not maintain the established character of the street scene or be a positive addition to it.

"I have sympathy with the appellant in terms of his desire to pursue his hobbies in the outbuilding, and I note the letters of support from nearby residents.

"However, in this case, I am not convinced that the building, as constructed, in terms of its scale, design and materials, is the only solution to his requirements.

"In conclusion, I find that the outbuilding is harmful to the character and appearance of the area around Berrymore Road and Parkhead Road, and that it would conflict with Policies SP6 and HO8 of the LP. Accordingly, I dismiss this appeal."