Appeal 3305775

The appeal is dismissed.

The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the host property and surrounding area.

The appeal site accommodates a detached bungalow with a detached garage to the rear. The surrounding area is largely residential with a number of commercial uses nearby including the medical practice next-door.

The main bungalow is modest in size with a modern, yet simple appearance and the detached garage is a subservient addition to the property appearing at a lower height when viewed from [site address] . The proposed two storey extension would be overly large in terms of its height in comparison to the modest height of the existing bungalow and as a result, would appear as a disproportionate addition.

The gable end of the two-storey extension would be at odds with the existing pitched roof form and would be visible over the ridge line of the existing property when viewed from [site address] including side views on approaching the site along that road. This arrangement together with the increase in height would result in the two-storey extension appearing disjointed and dominant when viewed in relation to the existing bungalow.

The ridge height of the detached garage would also be raised where it would be visible over the ridge line of the main bungalow and again this height increase would result in the garage appearing dominant in comparison to the height of the existing property.

Given the increase in height, the proposed dormer windows on both the two-storey extension and detached garage would be visually prominent and would be at odds with the simple character and appearance of the existing property.

I note the appellant’s statement that the neatly designed dormer windows would add some visual interest into what is a fairly bland elevation on the property. I also appreciate that larger buildings are located nearby. However, this does not justify the harm the overall increase in height would cause when viewed in relation to the existing property.

My attention has been drawn to a number of previous planning permissions for other extensions/alterations in the area with full details and plans provided. However, there are material differences between the plans provided and the appeal proposals including amongst others, location, and design and therefore not directly comparable. I visited a number of the properties referred to during my site visit and note that the general configuration does indeed differ to that of the appeal proposals.

For the above reasons, the proposed development would harm the character and appearance of the host property and surrounding area contrary to [name] 9 and QOP 2 of the Northumberland Local Plan which together, amongst other things, seek to protect the character and appearance of existing dwellings, their setting, and the surrounding area. The proposed development would also be contrary to chapter 12 of the National Planning Policy Framework relating to achieving well-designed places.

For the reasons given above, I conclude that the appeal should be dismissed.