Appeal 3284694

The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for alterations and extension to existing boundary wall at [site address] in accordance with the terms of the application, Ref 7-2021-27980, dated 2 November 2020.

The boundary wall has already been carried out, so the development is therefore retrospective. I have used the Council’s description of development, as this more accurately describes the entirety of the proposals.

The main issue is the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area.

The appeal property comprises a detached dwelling located on a corner plot at the junction of [address] and [address]. The area is predominantly residential in nature, and is made up of attractive detached dwellings in red/brown brick, many of which include elements of mock Tudor frontage. Whilst the front boundaries of many of the houses along [address] are largely open or low-level, boundary treatments along [address] are noticeably taller.

The development comprises a curved boundary wall which wraps around the corner of the appeal property along its south-western side. This leads to an open driveway which fronts on to [address]. Whilst the wall is punctuated by a number of taller brick piers, the bulk of the wall is made up of lower-level curved sections, which are approximately 1.4 metres tall. This means the dwelling remains readily visible in the street scene, ensuring that the prevailing sense of openness within the vicinity is retained. This is helped by the wide, open and unobstructed driveway, which ensures that much of the frontage onto [address] remains commensurate with the openness of the neighbouring properties. Moreover, the height of the boundary wall reflects the height of boundary treatments used along the front and side of the house opposite (which also occupies a corner plot), thereby ensuring a degree of consistency at the junction of [address] and [address].

In terms of design, the wall has been constructed to a good standard and utilises the red/brown brick which typifies the dwellings in this area. This allows the wall to assimilate properly within the street scene, without appearing dominant or incongruous in the context of neighbouring houses.

For these reasons, I am satisfied that the development does not harm the character and appearance of the area. It is consistent with Policy CS41 of the Bournemouth Local Plan: [name] (2012) and guidance set out in the Council’s Extension SPD1, which together seek to ensure new development responds positively to the character and appearance of the surrounding area, with particular regard to design, scale and siting. The development would also reflect the overarching design objectives of the Framework (2021).

The driveway access is sufficiently wide and unobstructed to ensure any vehicles accessing or egressing the appeal property can do so safely with appropriate levels of visibility.

Any restrictions or covenants which prevent the construction of walls along the boundaries of properties within [address] do not pertain to the planning merits of the development, and would therefore be beyond the scope of this appeal.

For the reasons given above, and having considered the development plan as a whole, the approach in the Framework (2021), and all other relevant material considerations, the appeal should be allowed.