Appeal 3288561

The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for a [name] wrap around extension at [site address] , Eltham, London, [postcode] in accordance with the terms of the application, Ref 21/2704/HD, dated 21 July 2021, subject to the following conditions:

The development hereby permitted shall begin not later than 3 years from the date of this decision.

The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: 2021-221GL-EXT-1 Rev 1.0; 2021- 221GL-EXT-2 Rev 1.0; 2021-221GL-EXT-3 Rev 1.0; 2021-221GL-EXT-4 Rev 1.0; 2021-221GL-EXT-5 Rev 1.0; and 2021-221GL-EXT-6 Rev 1.0.

The materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the development hereby permitted shall match those used in the existing building.

The main issue is the effect of the proposal on the living conditions of the occupiers of [address], with particular reference to outlook and light.

The appeal property is a two-storey, semi-detached dwelling. The proposal is for a single storey rear and side wrap around extension, following the demolition of an existing rear extension.

The Council’s Residential Extensions, Basements and Conversions Guidance SPD (2018) (SPD) provides detailed design guidance for various types of residential development. Amongst other matters, it advises that single storey rear extensions should not normally project out more than 3.6 metres from the rear wall of the original house, as deeper extensions could block out daylight and sunlight for neighbouring properties. The proposed extension would extend beyond the rear of the neighbouring attached dwelling, [address], by about 3.6 metres and the proposal would therefore comply with the guidance contained within the SPD in terms of its depth adjacent to the boundary with No 219.

There are windows and patio doors on the rear elevation of No 219. The part of the extension closest to No 219 would have a mono pitch roof with a maximum height of around 3.6 metres, sloping down to a height of about 2.7 metres at the eaves. The boundary with [address] is formed by a close boarded fence which sits on a fairly high concrete gravel board with an overall height well in excess of 2 metres. [name] note that the proposed extension would be directly to the south of No 219, I consider that due to the height of the existing boundary fence, the modest depth of the proposed extension and its lean-to roof design, any adverse effect on the amount of daylight and sunlight received by the ground floor openings on the rear of No 219 would be minimal. I am also satisfied for the same reasons that the proposal would not be harmful to the outlook from rear windows, or the rear garden of No 219.

I therefore conclude that the proposal would not have a materially harmful effect on the living conditions of the occupiers of [address], with particular reference to outlook and light. Thus, it complies with Policy DH(b) of the Royal Greenwich Local Plan: [name] with [name] (2014) and the SPD which seek to protect the amenity of adjacent occupiers.

A condition requiring the use of matching materials is necessary to protect the character and appearance of the dwelling and the local area. I have also imposed a condition specifying the relevant plans to provide certainty.

For the reasons set out above, and having regard to all other matters raised, I conclude that the appeal should succeed.