Basildon Approves Larger Replacement Dwelling in the Green Belt
planning permission from Basildon Borough Council for a replacement bungalow more than double the size of the original in the Metropolitan Green Belt near Billericay, demonstrating an improvement to openness through careful design and repositioning.
PLANNING APPROVALSBASILDONESSEXGREEN BELT APPROVALS
Andrew Ransome
7/1/20262 min read
In 2019, Basildon Borough Council approved planning permission for the replacement of a small bungalow with a new dwelling more than double the footprint in the Metropolitan Green Belt near Billericay, Essex.
The principal planning challenge was demonstrating that a significantly larger replacement would not harm Green Belt openness, resolved by showing the repositioned dwelling and removal of ancillary structures would actually improve openness at this plotland location.
Green Belt - Replacement Dwelling in Basildon
Planning permission was obtained from Basildon Borough Council for the demolition and replacement of an existing small bungalow on a site near Billericay, within the Metropolitan Green Belt.
The proposed replacement dwelling was more than double the footprint of the existing building, and was to be repositioned within the plot.
The application site lies within a plotland area — a semi-rural character typical of parts of south Essex — comprising predominantly detached bungalows and chalets on generous plots fronting the road.
Replacement dwellings in the Green Belt are subject to specific policy tests under the NPPF. The replacement must not be materially larger than the building it replaces, and must not have a greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt.
Both tests presented challenges given the proposed dwelling's significantly larger footprint.
The case demonstrated that, despite the larger footprint, the proposed scheme would in fact result in an improvement to the openness of the Green Belt in this location.
It was also demonstrated that the council's internal floorspace requirements represented a material consderation. This development represented an opportunity to improving living conditions over the existing situation.
The repositioning of the dwelling to a more central position within the plot, combined with the removal of an existing car port and shed, would reduce the overall spread of built form visible from the road and surrounding land.
The proposed replacement bungalow was also carefully designed to reflect the character of the plotland area: dark-stained timber cladding drew on local vernacular, the single-storey profile respected the heights of neighbouring buildings, and set-backs to the boundaries maintained appropriate circulation space.
Basildon Borough Council accepted the planning case and approved the application.
Planning Application Advice
If you are considering replacing or significantly extending a dwelling within the Green Belt, the openness argument is often the decisive issue. I can advise on how to frame the case effectively. Contact me to discuss your project.
Andrew Ransome MRTPI - Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk
About me
Andrew Ransome is a Planning Director and a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), with more than two decades of experience in town planning.
He specialises in delivering strategic planning solutions for complex developments across both rural and urban environments, helping clients navigate planning challenges and unlock development opportunities. Connect with Andrew on Linkedin.
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Get in touch for planning advice: Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk
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