Fuller Long have recently been granted planning permission at appeal for a wide range of works to a property in Leatherhead. The permission included the construction of two side dormer windows, a first and ground floor rear extension, a front porch and pitched roof to the existing front dormer.
While the overall scheme was considered acceptable in principle, the reasons the Council gave for refusing the application were that the design of the proposed extension would be out of keeping with the existing dwelling and as such would be detrimental to the visual amenities of the area. There were also concerns that the proposed extension would have an overbearing impact with the potential for overlooking neighbouring properties.
Our consultant put forward the argument that a key aspect of planning is to make the best possible use of land by increasing the size of houses without causing any material harm and that the proposal had been designed with great care and would not result in material harm to the character and appearance of the building, the surrounding area or the neighbouring occupiers.
The design was conceived as a response to the site conditions and was a product of pre-application discussions with neighbours and an understanding of the relationship between the appeal site, its neighbouring properties and the local context.
The Local Planning Authority’s officer report described the proposal as “cumbersome”. However, it was argued that this expression best fitted the existing building which had at best a functional appearance. By contrast, the works proposed all added up to a much more interesting roofscape. Collectively, they would give the roof far more visual interest and would bring it in line with the pitches of the neighbouring properties.
We accurately stated that the first floor rear extension would only be seen from the rear of the neighbouring gardens and would represent a significant improvement on the existing view of an untidy mix of a flat roofed extension and an old polycarbonate conservatory in a gently decaying state. The proposed first floor extension, along with the ground floor extension, provided a sense of unity to the host building and gave it a more attractive facade. The rear extensions therefore were a positive development that would enhance the relationship with the neighbouring occupiers.
With a plot size of one-third of an acre, the proposal was not an over-development of the site. The building and the land could comfortably absorb the additional extensions without appearing constrained or compromised. The building would still read as being smaller than its neighbouring properties, even with the proposed new works.
These points allowed us to strongly put forward the case that the proposal would not cause material harm to the character and appearance of the original building or surrounding area. In fact, the extensions would be a significant improvement.
When drawing up their plans, our clients were careful not to create a development that would result in an overbearing impact on its neighbours. They were also mindful not to intrude on the privacy of their neighbours and were conscious of the Design Guidance for House Extensions supplementary planning documents, which state that an extension should not result in any substantial loss of privacy to adjoining dwellings and gardens.
Our consultant also put forward the rationale that as local salaries have not kept pace with the house prices in the area, and as the level of demand for housing in the area is increasing it outstrips any sensible definition of supply, increasing house prices even further. We stated that it is for this reason that is has become critical for existing residents to be able to extend their properties as the need arises so long as it responds positively to the local context.
This scheme in Leatherhead was necessary to provide an extra bedroom for a growing family that wanted to stay in their house rather than having to move outside of the area where there may be larger homes at a more affordable price. Our consultant argued that allowing for more residents to stay adds to the vitality of the area and would consolidate the sense of community.
The scheme was designed to ensure that there would be no significant impact on the amenity of neighbouring and future occupiers. Our clients took great care to create a neighbourly development, both in terms of its architecture and its spatial relationships. It was for these reasons that the proposal complied with the relevant national and local plan policies. The scale of the development, its appearance and use of matching materials, are appropriate and sympathetic.
The family were delighted that we were able to gain them permissions for the works to their family home, enabling them to stay in the area and work has now begun to carry out the permissions.
If you have been refused planning permission and would like to seek assistance in submitting an appeal, Fuller Long can be of assistance. Our consultants are experts in submitting planning appeals and have had considerable success over the years. Call 0845 565 0281 or email hello@fullerlong.com to speak with one of our Consultants today.
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