Appeal 3273233

The appeal is allowed, and planning permission is granted for the construction of a three storey rear extension and internal alterations following demolition of existing rear extension and a double storey front extension at [site address] in accordance with the terms of the application, Ref 20/08096/FUL, dated 19 November 2020, and the plans with it, subject to the following conditions:

The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in strict accordance with the following approved plans: 01; 03; 04; 09; 10; 100; 200; 201 and 300.

The materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the extensions hereby permitted shall match those specified on the application form and submitted drawings.

The Government published the revised National Planning Policy Framework on 20 July 2021 (the Framework), which forms a material consideration in the determination of the appeal. The main parties have had an opportunity to comment on the significance of the changes, and I have had regard to the comments received from the appellant and the Framework in reaching my

The main issue of this appeal is the effect of the proposed development, particularly the two-storey front extension, on the character and appearance of the appeal site and surrounding area.

It is common ground that an extant planning permission exists for a similar three storey rear extension1 (the previous application) to the proposed scheme under the application, subject of this appeal. Therefore, the main difference on the scheme before me, when compared to the previous application is the proposed two storey front extension.

The proposed development will transform the existing appearance of the host dwelling, which currently comprises a traditional detached house constructed out of brick with a tile roof. The proposed development would see a palette of new materials introduced, such as stone cladding and render, which along with the notable amount of glazing in the two storey front extension will when combined result in the host dwelling having a contemporary appearance, and a fresh identity in the street scene.

Whilst the detached houses either side of the site are traditional in appearance, they already differ in design to the host dwelling and have rendered elements present on their front elevations. The proposed development will not result in the host dwelling becoming excessive or overly dominant when compared to its neighbours, and thus, it will still sit comfortably between its neighbours and within the wider street scene. During my visit, I also noted that other contemporary development is being, or has been constructed in the locality of the site. Overall, the proposed development would be attractive and distinctive in its appearance and of an appropriate form and scale, which compliments the appeal site and street scene of which it forms part.

For the reasons given above, I therefore conclude that the proposed development would not harm the character and appearance of the appeal site or the surrounding area. This would accord with the design, character and appearance aims of Policies CP9, DM35, DM36 of the Wycombe District Local Plan 2019 and the requirements of the Framework.

I attach a condition specifying the approved plans, for certainty, and a materials condition in the interests of the character and appearance of the appeal site and surrounding area.

For the reasons given above, I conclude that the appeal should succeed.