Appeal 3290990

The appeal is allowed, and planning permission is granted for a heated, insulated garden room on the eastern side of property at [site address] , Blackheath [postcode] in accordance with the terms of the application, Ref 21/1357/HD, dated 12 April 2021, subject to the following

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

The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: the site location plan, the block plan and drawing reference 210303221GR1 1.

The materials to be used in the construction of externals surfaces shall be in accordance with the following approved plan: 210303221GR1 1.

The site visit was undertaken by an Appeal Planning Officer whose recommendation is set out below and to which the Inspector has had regard before deciding the appeal.

The main issue is whether the proposed development would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Woolwich Common Conservation Area and the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the locally listed host dwelling.

The appeal site is located within the Woolwich Common Conservation Area (CA), which derives its significance from the architectural interest of buildings throughout. This includes the appeal property which is locally listed and makes a positive contribution to the character of the CA through its own detailed design. The appeal site is bounded to the front by a tall brick wall and to the sides and rear by fencing. Neighbouring the appeal site is a converted water tower, which features a contemporary and contrasting extension.

The proposal is for an outbuilding next to the host dwelling that would feature wood cladding and a flat roof. Although it would be constructed of a different material and have a different roof form to the host building, this would ensure the proposal was clearly separate from the main dwelling. The host building would remain the prominent feature and the proposal would not detract from this, but rather appear as its own independent structure, secondary to the dwelling. The proposed outbuilding would not be excessively large or tall, and this would also help to ensure it would appear subordinate to the host building.

The nearby extension on the water tower shows how a contemporary style can work to provide separation between the main dwelling and an extension, and this contributes to the existing character of the area. As such, the proposal would appear in keeping with the character of the surrounding area.

The proposed outbuilding would be positioned to the eastern side of the property, which means it would be surrounded on all sides by the various boundary treatments. This, combined with its relatively low height and flat roof, would limit the visibility of the outbuilding from the public realm. It would thus not appear visually intrusive in the surrounding area.

Overall, the proposal would preserve the character and appearance of the CA and would not harm the character or appearance of the locally listed host building. It would therefore conform with Policies DH1, DH3, DH(h) and DH(j) of the Core Strategy1, which together aim to ensure proposals take account of the architecture of surrounding buildings, preserve the character and appearance of conservation areas and conserve the particular characteristics of locally listed buildings. It would also comply with Policies D3 and HC1 of the London Plan (adopted 2021), which together outline how development proposals should enhance local context, with particular regard to conserving the significance of heritage assets.

The proposal would accord with the [name] Strategy2, which looks to protect the special character of the CA. Likewise, it would follow the aims of the SPD3, which outlines how outbuildings should be in proportion to the original house and sensitively designed.

I have recommended the standard time condition for reasons of certainty. For the same reason, I have recommended conditions regarding plans and materials, as well as to ensure an appropriate level of design that protects the character and appearance of the dwelling. 1 Royal Greenwich Local Plan Core Strategy with [name] (adopted 2014) 2 Royal Borough of Greenwich Woolwich Common Conservation Area [name] (adopted 2014) 3 Royal Borough of Greenwich Supplementary Planning Document Residential Extensions, Basements and Conversions Guidance (adopted 2018)

For the reasons given above and having had regard to the Development Plan as a whole, I recommend that the appeal should be allowed.

I have considered all the submitted evidence and the Appeal Planning Officer’s report and on that basis the appeal is allowed.