A man who built a lodge at a golf course near Malmesbury has been prevented from living in it permanently after his appeal was dismissed. 

Roger Lindley sought permission to turn his holiday home at Woodbridge Park Golf Club into his primary residence. 

But Brinkworth Parish Council, Wiltshire Council planning officers and finally the Planning Inspectorate have all opposed the plan.

In their objection the parish council stated: "This development was originally granted under government directive to increase tourism facilities in the country and the style, location and nature of the development is not in keeping with the area. 

"Permission for the houses built as permanent dwellings would never have been granted in such a development outside of the village."

Wiltshire Council planning officer Alison Williams recommended the application to remove the condition which said the lodge shall not be occupied as a persons' main place or residence, be refused - stating circumstances have not changed since the original consent was granted.

After the decision was appealed planning inspectorate Andrew O'Doherty ruled the condition was  'necessary and reasonable' with particular regard to the settlement strategy and the accessibility of services and facilities'. 

The decision has angered Mr Lindley whose house was built to Passivhaus standards and has an Energy Performance Certificate rating of 99. 

"I find this decision appalling in the light of a shortage of domestic properties, never mind highly efficient properties," he said.

"One would think councils didn't want energy efficient building." 

"I really find this difficult to believe and condone in these current times." 
Part of the debate centred on the lack of facilities in the area, and the fact a car may be needed to drive to Malmesbury or Royal Wootton Bassett. 

Mr Lindley argued: "We use local facilities where possible, milk and dairy products from Brinkworth Dairy delivered to our doorstep and eggs from a local farm in Lea also delivered to our doorstep. 

"The main supermarkets deliver directly to our doorstep thereby limiting our need to travel unnecessarily."

But the planning inspectorate reached a different verdict: "Any permanent occupiers of the lodge would be likely to have a considerable reliance on private vehicles to access many services and facilities, including employment, health care, and leisure."