As part of modifying our house for our son, we want to build a garage onto the front of the house so that he can transfer into a car in the dry. However, because we are in a conservation area, we have been refused planning permission. I had thought that sitting in wet clothing was a no-no because of the risk of pressure sores and have been looking for documentation to back this up as part of an appeal against the planning refusal. However, I have only been able to find references to clothes being made damp through urine or sweat. Can anyone help point me in the right direction? Or am I labouring under a misapprehension in thinking that rain-soaked clothes are a bad idea?
Many thanks,
August

Moisture or dampness trapped next to the skin can cause maceration which could potentially lead to skin breakdown and infection, maybe look into this?

Thanks for the reply, Trinity. I have googled every combination I can think of regarding wet clothes, pressure sores and spinal injury but always end up with info in which the emphasis is on body fluids causing the wetness. What I need to support my claim (assuming I am correct, which I might not be!) is a respected source, such as an academic paper or advice from a recognised organisation, specifically advising people with spinal cord injuries that it is best not to sit around too long in rain-soaked clothes because of the risk of pressure sores.
Regards,
August

I'm afraid that might be hard to find, as by the time the places most susceptable to sores, get wet enough to make a difference ( since we're sitting on them),, the rest of our clothes are already too soggy to go anywhere.

Perhaps, better to rely on the proposition that it takes a great deal of time to get in or out of the vehicle,,, thereby exposing one to more of the ill effects of the weather,,, in general.

The view that those in chairs are of at greater risk of ill health,,, while not neccessarily true,,, is generally believed by the average AB,,,,,, might as well take advantage of the misconception, if it works for you. There's gotta be SOME advantage to this BS.
ed

You are right about it being hard to find any sources to back me up. Oh well, we'll just have to hope we can reach a reasonable compromise with the planners.
August

August, I wouldn't try to fight it on pressure sores because it would really have to be pouring down to make the clothes wet enough in the right places to cause this problem. Just try on the idea of it being better to transfer in and out of the car in the dry, out of the wind, and so on.

Wet clothes... moisture just begins to breakdown skin after a period of time. Can't you get some portable or retractable covering to keep him dry as he enters and exits the car? Surely would cost less. Without a photo of the area, it's difficult to evaluate the position you're in and appreciate your problem.

Noles,,, I get the impression that what they are at odds with is similar to what we call a zoning commission,,,,except a very picky one.

I have friends, here in the states, who can't even paint their house without the local authority telling what color,,, so although it's a different system there,,, it still boils down to the same bulls**t.

August,,,, Noles may have something with the "portable" idea,,, we have small shelters/carports , here, that can be assembled by anyone who is a bit handy... They could be ,, because of their construction, argued as being " temporary". They may be available in the UK tho I couldn't swear to that.

I will try to find a website describing them,,,, I've been thinking of getting one for myself for much the same reasons as you.
ed

They are indeed picky. It wouldn't be so annoying if they were more consistent.
Anyway, since I last posted we resubmitted a modified application and have now approval so will be able to build a new garage. Good luck with finding a portable shelter.





Thank you for your idea. We will, though, now be able to go ahead with a permanent solutiuon after a degree of co-operation and compromise with the authorities.