AN EIGHT-BEDROOM house built in the Green Belt without planning permission has been saved from demolition after councillors reversed a recommendation by planning officers that it should go.

The property, in New Farm Drive, Abridge, replaced a small single-storey dwelling that was previously on the site.

Owner Simon Gilbert gained permission in 2004 to build a bigger home but the two-storey building he put up was much larger than allowed, and council officers refused it retrospective permission in May this year.

That decision, which would have led to the demolition of the house, has now been reversed by councillors who were concerned at the idea of making a family homeless.

Cllr Brian Rolfe, who has been campaigning on behalf of the Gilberts said: “It's a thriving business. It's a kennels and there's a piggery attached to it. The applicant sells bacon to the village.

“I know ignorance of the law is no excuse but this has caused the family a lot of worry. I know it's not right but if we ordered him to take the house down completely the family will be homeless and it'll bankrupt the business.”

Cllr John Knapman said: “The house is beautiful and I would certainly hope the committee sees common sense.”

Other councillors were divided on the issue.

Cllr Roland Frankel said: “I still feel very uncomfortable. If we grant permission the floodgates will be opened for other developments in the Green Belt. We shouldn't cause ourselves a huge amount of difficulty by being seen not to enforce our own rules. This clearly breaks our own rules by a large degree.”

Retrospective permission was granted for the house although its large conservatory, also constructed without planning permission, will have to be demolished.

The Gilberts, who did not speak at the meeting, declined to comment on the decision.