Appeal 3308127

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 detached dormer bungalow with a small single storey detached garage to the side. It is located within the open countryside along [address], which in this location comprises a ribbon development of detached dwellings set in garden plots along one side of the road, surrounded by farmland.

Like neighbouring dwellings, the appeal property is set well-back from [address] behind a grass verge and a front garden and it has a long garden to the rear, which backs onto open countryside.

The slope of the roof and gaps between the dwelling and its side boundaries provide for spaciousness around the appeal property and for a significant sense of the countryside beyond.

To the front, the appeal property looks out across [address] to a grass verge, footpath, hedgerows, trees and fields beyond.

During my site visit, I observed that, for some considerable distance, dwellings to the south east of the appeal property tend to comprise bungalows or dormer bungalows within spacious garden plots; and whilst the appeal property’s immediate neighbour to the south east, Number [address], is a two storey dwelling, it appears within a very spacious setting, due in particular to the low height of and the space that exists around, both the appeal property and Number [address], a bungalow.

As a consequence of all of the above, the appeal property sits comfortably within its rural surroundings and appears in keeping with the area’s green and spacious qualities.

The proposed development would greatly alter the appearance of the existing dwelling. A modest dormer bungalow would be transformed into a dwelling of significantly greater height, width and depth. 10.In this regard, I find that the proposed development would not appear subordinate to the host dwelling, but rather, that the overall scale and volume of the proposal would overwhelm and dominate the appearance of the host dwelling. 11.As such, I find that the proposed development would comprise a disproportionate addition to the original dwelling. 12.Further to the above, I consider that the proposal would, due to its overall scale, volume, proposed materials and design, draw attention to itself as a visually intrusive development, in considerable contrast to the simpler and considerably smaller existing dwelling. The proposal would appear an unduly dominant and out of keeping with its spacious rural surroundings. 13.Taking all of 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 Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy (2017) Policies PG6, SD2 and SE1; to the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Replacement Local Plan (2005) Policy RES.11; to Willaston Neighbourhood Plan Policies D1 and H6; and to the Council’s Supplementary Planning Document: Extensions and Householder Development (2008), which together amongst other things, seek to protect local character.