Appeal 3300499

The appeal is dismissed.

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

The appeal property is a semi-detached two storey dwelling. It is situated in a prominent corner location at the junction of [site address] with [address].

It is located in a high density residential area characterised by the presence of a range of house types, including terraced and semi-detached two storey dwellings and three storey blocks of flats.

During my site visit, I observed there to be very small garden areas immediately to the front of dwellings along [site address] and that cars park on and immediately adjacent to the pavement, leaving only a narrow pedestrian area. This adds to the high density appearance of [site address] .

[address] appears as a similarly high density, built-up area, albeit cars tend to park along the road, or within dedicated parking areas immediately in front of dwellings. This and occasional street trees, grass verges and gardens to the rear of [site address] appear to provide for a greener environment than along [site address] itself.

The appeal property and its adjoining neighbour mirror a pair of semi-detached dwellings across [site address] . Together, these four dwellings are sited at an angle to the entrance to [site address] from [address]. Garden and/or parking areas in front of the dwellings combine with this angle to create a set back from the road and present a distinct sense of spaciousness within an otherwise densely developed area.

The positive impact of this is enhanced as a result of the notable gaps to each side of the two pairs of detached dwellings, resulting in a sense of openness as one passes or enters [site address] from [name]. Further, other than modernisation and a small single storey extension to one of the four dwellings – which itself is set well back within a large garden, these dwellings at the entrance to [site address] have retained much of their original form and appearance, affording this prominent location an attractive sense of symmetry and uniformity.

The proposal would comprise a large side extension. This would extend to two storeys in height and would largely fill the gap between the side of the original dwelling and [site address] . In so doing, I find that it would severely unbalance the symmetry referred to above. 10.In addition, the proposal, due to its height, width and overall bulk, would draw attention to itself as an unduly dominant feature. The harm arising from this would be exacerbated as a result of the proposal filling a visual gap and this would result in the significant erosion of the spacious qualities of this prominent location. 11.Taking the above into account, I find that the proposed development would harm the character and appearance of the area, contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework; to Policy CS15 of the Core Strategy1; to Policies DM4 and DM29 of the Local Plan DMP2; and to the Council’s Supplementary Planning Documents “[name]. Alterations” (2010) and “[name]” (2010), which together amongst other things, seek to protect local character.