The “unique circumstances” of a family who want to build a home suitable for their disabled daughter led councillors to go against policy and grant planning permission.

The Dutnell family want to build an affordable bungalow that will be designed to ensure their six-year-old daughter, Sophie, who has complex needs, can be cared for at home, along with her older sister.

Their current home in Cardigan has been deemed unsuitable, but with the “gifting” of a piece of land by mum Tania’s parents at Betws Ifan, near Newcastle Emlyn, they have the chance to build a bespoke bungalow, the committee heard on Wednesday, 9 January.

A planning officer report stated that the personal circumstances of the family had been considered but did not outweigh planning policy regarding building in the open countryside.

Dad Dan Dutnell, who gave up work to care for his daughter full time, told the committee she was a “beautiful and happy little girl”.

A genetic condition means Sophie has “stopped her developing as other little girls do,” said Mr Dutnell.

“She’s been through so much already in her life, this is the only chance we will have to provide her with the home she needs,” he added.

There was unanimous vote of approval for the outline application.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition tomorrow