COUNCILLORS have approved an extension for the Old School House at Puncknowle.

The building is next to the former school, now used as a village hall.

The application has the backing of the parish council and had received several letters of support from the village – but had been recommended for rejection by planning officers.

They had described the application for the double storey extension to the Looke Lane building as ‘unduly dominating’ and said it would have an effect on the conservation area.

But an online planning committee decided that the changes would fit in with the surroundings and, without them, the home could not be brought up to modern standards. The application had been due to be decided in March but the meeting became the council’s first to be postponed because of the start of lockdown.

Changes being proposed will allow the local young couple who own the home to have a larger kitchen, a further bedroom and a new bathroom. Proposing the committee accept the plans Cllr Kate Wheller said: “I’m in favour of this. I’m keen to help young couples stay in villages they were brought up in…it’s not really a family home as it is now and it’s never going to be a substantial home,” she said.

Cllr Jean Dunseith supported the proposal: “I can’t see that this modest development would really affect the conservation area.”