Family First: How Planix.uk Overturned a Council Refusal at Marton Grange

At Planix.uk, we know that planning isn’t just about bricks, mortar, or even caravans—it’s about people. We recently secured a major appeal victory for Marton Grange Country House in Bridlington, and the win was particularly sweet because it protected the living arrangements of a multi-generational family.

When East Riding of Yorkshire Council refused a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) for the siting of a caravan, they saw it as a technical breach of the "10-year rule." We saw it differently. We saw a family trying to live together.

The Human Angle: A Single Household

The heart of this case wasn't just the caravan itself, but who was using it and how. The applicants’ parents are an integral part of the life and soul of Marton Grange.

During the hearing, we were able to demonstrate a beautiful, interconnected way of living:

• A Shared Life: While the parents often sleep in the caravan during the summer, they aren't "living separately." They share all their meals in the main house as a family.

• The Comfort of Home: On cold or windy nights, the parents move back into the main house. They use the family bathroom (especially for the bath!) and relax in the lounge during the winter months.

• An Active Retirement: The owner’s father doesn't just live there; he’s part of the team, helping with gardening, refuse, and even the service of the guesthouse's famous cream teas.

The Technical Victory: "Mixed Use" vs "Ancillary"

The Council argued that because the caravan hadn't been there for 10 years, it was unlawful. However, Planix.uk successfully argued that the site wasn't just a guesthouse—it was a Mixed Use of a guesthouse and a private residential home.

Because the parents live as part of a single household with the owners, the caravan didn't represent a "material change of use" for the land. It was simply an extension of their existing family life.

"The caravan is not being used as a separate dwellinghouse but is part of the existing residential use as many of the day-to-day domestic activities take place as a single household." — Zoë Franks, Planning Inspector

Why This Matters for You

This win is a testament to the fact that "the computer says no" isn't always the final word. Local councils often struggle with properties that don't fit into a neat little box. At Planix.uk, we specialise in the "grey areas"—the complex, mixed-use sites where family life and business overlap.

By understanding the human reality of the site and applying the correct legal precedents, we ensured that this family can continue to live and work together without the threat of enforcement action.

Is your family's living arrangement being challenged by the council? Don't navigate the appeal process alone. Whether it’s a multi-generational home, a "Granny Annex," or a complex business site, the team at Planix.uk is here to defend your right to use your land the way you need to.

Contact Planix.uk today to discuss your case by emailing simon@planix.uk

Marton Grange Country House