I was born with a degenerative disc disease in my spine. It means for as long as I can remember I’ve I suffered pain 24/7 and walking difficulties. I’ve almost always worked full time. In 2017 my condition worsened and by 2018 I could barely walk. My parents intervened and went to Glasgow, where I’d set up my home and career, and took me home to Orkney. In 2019 following a hip replacement and visit to Scottish National Spinal Deformity Service I discovered my condition was much worse than previously thought and it would continue to deteriorate as I got older. Ultimately my entire spine will be rigid and I’ll have no discs anywhere in my body. I only have 2 half discs in my lower spine and discs in my neck but these will fuse also. Currently I am living with my parents (both 68 and fit and healthy) I require support daily to allow me to continue working full time at a company a minutes drive away. My parents own a field that is outwith the local development plan and unsuitable for farming. There are houses in close proximity. I applied for planning permission on a “Material Consideration” Where living beside my parents allows them to support me for as long as they are able, both physically and emotionally. It also allows me to work close by and maintain a balanced life afforded to most working able bodied people. I was told I could build a detached annex which would be a tiny granny flat owned by my parents but refused a house very close by that was bigger. I believe this to be discriminatory that while promoting care in the community, there are no provisions for supported housing where I want to pay for it myself and continue to work full time for as long as possible. Signing this petition will form evidence of community support and that you believe the decision to be wrong. Please state why. Thank you x