Martin and Denise Coombes are seeking a solution that will allow them to accommodate Martin’s elderly parents in their home. Planning permission for a new bungalow in the garden has been refused. Mike Dade investigates the alternative options

PLOT WATCH: Mike Dade investigates

WHO Martin and Denise Coombes

WHAT Planning consent to develop a new bungalow in the Coombes’ garden has been denied. Could a mobile home provide an alternative solution to house Martin’s parents?

WHERE Norfolk

Martin and Denise Coombes are trying to find a way to accommodate Martin’s elderly parents at their property in the Norfolk countryside. They originally wanted to build a bungalow in their garden, but a preapplication discussion with the council resulted in a firm ‘no’ from the planning officer due to the countryside location, remote from any settlement. The couple have heard that there could be a way forward by opting for a mobile home rather than an actual building, but they’ve no idea how to approach this. Could this kind of structure be a viable alternative to a bungalow?

The site

The intended location for the bungalow or mobile home is in a somewhat overgrown area of orchard at the end of the Coombes’ garden.