Councillors were left speculating over the purpose of a garden barn and outside toilet at a house after the owner claimed they would be used for gardening.

Plans put forward by Amanda Wright to build an open-sided garden building and outside toilet at Aberdeen House in Main Road, Knockholt, were met with curiosity by members of the Sevenoaks District Council planning committee.

Planning officers had recommended the plans were given a lawful development certificate, which meant planning permission wouldn’t be needed to build them.

However, when the committee met last Thursday, some were left confused over claims the building would be used for gardening, and said it would be more akin to commercial use or throwing parties, which would require permission.

Badgers Mount Parish Councillor John Grint claimed that Ms Wright wasn’t a gardener and had initially concreted over part of the front garden when she moved in.

While this was confirmed by planning officers they said it was not relevant to the new buildings and added that gardening could still involve concrete.

Cllr Avril Hunter said: “As we’ve been told, it’s a matter of whether it complies with facts and there’s nothing else we can do."

She said: “It seems whoever has designed this building has let it be known it fits within the regulations, I can see no other option than to approve this.

“The only comfort I can give members is if there are any changes to this building we immediately report it to enforcement.

“This presumption is it may be used as a party barn. Well maybe it will be, but if it is this council will act and we’ll stop it.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Laurence Ball said: “I have to say I don’t think it’s incidental to gardening having an outside toilet, I really don’t believe one needs an outside toilet.

“I’m sure it’s an incredibly small percentage of the population who have an outside toilet. Let’s just say I agree with my colleagues.”

The buildings were eventually given the green light, with just one vote against.