Couple appeal Calderdale planning decision which could result in enforcement action

Calderdale Council Planning Committee members refused Emma and Ash Taylor retrospective permission for the dormer at their home in Gladstone Street, Stainland.

Emma Taylor said the couple had built the dormer to create more space for their growing family and they had put all their savings into it, so possible action if permission was refused would leave them in a difficult position.

“We used all our funds to do this dormer and don’t have any more to take it down or if you take us to court to remove it,” said Mrs Taylor at the meeting last November.

Councillors were sympathetic to the couple, believed they genuinely did not know permission was needed for changes to the house which is in a conservation area, and heard the council had received letters of support for their application.

But they were concerned that to allow it would set a precedent others could use to seek permission for similar developments which might not be suitable for a conservation area.

Mr and Mrs Taylor have now appealed the refusal under the Householder Appeals Service, so there is no further opportunity for interested parties to submit comments.

But The Planning Inspectorate – and the appellant – have been forwarded all the representations made to the council on the application and the appointed Planning Inspector will consider these when determining the appeal.

Anyone who did submit a response previously but wants to withdraw it so it is not taken into consideration by the Planning Inspector can do so by emailing

[email protected] or in writing to The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3N, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol. BS1 6PN, quoting the appeal reference number APP/A4710/D/21/3267945.