A PERSISTENT homeowner had a third application to double the size of her home in Horndon on the Hill refused by Thurrock Council.

Emily Penson-Clark first submitted an unsuccessful application for a two-storey side extension Kirkham Road in 2018. A further application was made in 2019 which was also turned down. It was also refused on appeal as disproportionate development in the green belt.

The third application, which was recommended for refusal by planning officers, was slightly reduced in size but is still a 100 per cent increase in the property.

Speaking at a planning committee meeting in defence of her third attempt last week, Ms Penson-Clark, said: "The area in question is no longer accurately characterised as open greenbelt land it is bordered on three sides by established residential development.

"I find it difficult to reconcile the decision on my modest proposal with recent approvals in the immediate vicinity. My proposal is for a simple two-room extension. The room would serve as a snug and a playroom for our ever-growing family. It is a modest and personal addition to a home I've lived in for 20 years.

"This is not a new dwelling or an excessive or intrusive development. My application poses no harm to the openness or character of the area."

The location plan for the proposed extension

Ward councillor Barry Johnson supported her application and said: "This home improvement as that is exactly what you have in front of you. A home extension to improve life and enable the family to make it their forever home. This is a large plot and the extension will not cause any significant harm to any of its surroundings.

"I struggle to accept that this area is still considered traditional green belt as many housing developments have been granted permission to build larger homes on smaller plots and most if not all the four bedroom homes have at least three reception rooms I'm not aware of any neighbour objections and I strongly believe this should be given great weight."

However, co-opted committee member, Steve Taylor from the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said: "Rules that are applied around protecting the green belt don't change and given that we've had two previous instances of the inspector refusing then I don't see that there's any difference.

"I actually think it makes us look rather stupid if having gone down this road twice and having been supported by a government we then turn on the government. It doesn't make sense."