Paraplegic man makes planning plea over extension

A man who became paraplegic after a "freak" motorbike crash in France is calling on his local council to allow him to alter his house so he can keep his independence.

Richard Rowe lost the use of his legs when he fell off his bike at low speed, fracturing a vertebra in his back in July 2023.

Mr Rowe and his wife Rachel have applied to Warwick District Council to build a two-storey extension in place of their garage, which will include a ground-floor wetroom and a vertical lift to accommodate his needs.

The council's planning department has recommended refusing the application on the grounds it had a "harmful impact" on the street scene.

Mr Rowe, who used to race motorbikes, said it was no longer sustainable for him to live in his home in Leamington Spa, which he had shared with his wife for 21 years.

"The changes after my injury are phenomenal, from moving around to trying to cope in the kitchen," he said.

"The routine things are incredibly difficult.

"We're just pushing on trying to rebuild with me in a chair with all the difficulties and challenges that brings."

Following the crash, Mr Rowe spent eight months in hospital in Coventry before he was moved to a specialist spinal unit in Oswestry. He only returned home in February 2024.

Six months later, the couple applied to build a two-storey extension in a bid to help Mr Rowe regain some of his independence.

However, a planning officer has recommended the plans be rejected due to the height of the extension, despite the couple having the support of their five closest neighbours.

The couple said they had been told by the council that their circumstances could not be taken into consideration by planning officers.

"There's a lot at stake in getting this through," Mr Rowe said.

"The lack of them taking into account our needs is pretty devastating.

"I just want to be able to use a toilet, use a shower - be independent in my own home."

A Warwick District Council spokesperson said: "This application will be considered by the planning committee at their next meeting on Tuesday, 14 January."

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