Appeal 3304225

The appeal is dismissed.

Under Article 3(1) and Schedule 2, Part 1, Class AA of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 as amended (the GPDO), planning permission is granted for the enlargement of a dwellinghouse consisting of up to two additional storeys, where the existing dwellinghouse consists of two or more storeys, subject to limitations and

Amongst these conditions, paragraph AA.2(3) to Part 1 requires the developer to apply to the local planning authority for prior approval to assess the impact of the proposed development on the amenity of any adjoining premises, the external appearance of the dwellinghouse, air traffic and defence assets, and protected views identified in the [name] to [name].

The Council refused the application for prior approval on grounds relating to the effects of the proposal on the external appearance of the dwellinghouse.

The main issue is therefore whether prior approval should be granted under Class AA of Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the GPDO, having particular regard to the effect of the proposal on the external appearance of the dwellinghouse.

[name] is a cul-de-sac located within a larger residential development. Within this residential development there is a cohesion to the appearance of the properties owing to it containing a set range of house types and the houses sharing distinctive design elements. [site address] is located on the end of a short row of 4 terraced properties. The terrace has a balanced appearance as a result of the mid-terrace properties being one house type of the same appearance and the two end terraces being a second housetype of the same appearance. Each of the properties within the terrace are 2 storeys in height as are the remaining houses on the cul-de-sac. The degree of design cohesion and consistency in the appearance of the street scenes within the residential development positively contributes to the character and appearance of the area.

No [address]. On this street, and closest to the site, there are a significant number of older, traditionally designed two storey terraced properties of a similar design and arranged in a uniform manner.

As referenced by the appellant, the conditions contained within AA.2(3) to Part 1 of the GPDO require the effects of the development upon the external appearance of the dwellinghouse to be assessed. However, the broader effects that the altered external appearance may have upon the street scene are relevant matters to be considered given that such effects are so intrinsically linked to the alterations proposed to the house itself. Therefore, in my decision, I have assessed not only the precise design and architectural detailing of the extended house proposed, but the effects that would be brought about by the extended property to the character and appearance of the area.

The additional storey proposed would unbalance the existing symmetry exhibited within the terrace and make the host property appear anomalous. The increased height of the host property would appear abrupt and jar with the consistent 2 storey heights of the neighbouring properties on both [name] and [address]. The host property is orientated such that its side elevation is closest to [address]. In views along [address] this amplifies the prominence of its feature gable ended design and roof apex. At the 3 storeys proposed, the property would appear particularly tall and prominent.

Consequently, the development would represent an unsympathetic enlargement of the host property, which would be harmful to the external appearance of the dwelling and the character and appearance of the area.

For the reasons given above, the appeal is dismissed.