Appeal 3311290

The appeal is dismissed.

The description of development has been taken from the Council’s decision notice for concision and clarity about the acts of development.

The main issue is the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area.

The site is located at [site address] and the existing dwelling is constructed of red brick. The dwellings immediately neighbouring the site are also constructed of red brick and form a cul-de-sac at the end of [address]. Together they create a strong sense of uniformity in their appearance. The majority of other dwellings along [address] are also constructed of red brick and whilst there are examples of dwellings with render, these are limited in number and do not change the established context of this particular road.

[address] includes a significant number of dwellings constructed of render and cladding. Together they also create a strong sense of uniformity in the road’s appearance. [address] includes dwellings constructed of red brick and render. Again, the number of dwellings constructed this way creates a strong sense of uniformity in the road’s appearance.

However, the site is detached from the context of [address] and [address] and is clearly part of the uniformity of red brick construction along [address]. In essence, each of these roads is largely self-contained in its own context where the uniformity in the approach to construction is a distinctive and established feature that is important to uphold.

Whilst some red brick would be retained, the proposal would render the front elevation of the dwelling and there would be a clear difference between the materials used in the proposal and the prevailing materials used at other dwellings along [address]. The contrast with the immediate neighbouring dwellings would be noticeably stark. As such, the proposal would erode the established context and uniformity1 along this particular road and would not effectively integrate with its immediate surroundings.

I acknowledge the age of the existing dwelling and that some of the materials have a degree of deterioration. However, the degree of deterioration appears to be minor and when looking at the dwelling as a whole its appearance is not a detraction. Consequently, any benefits derived from renewing the appearance of external materials would be limited and would not outweigh the harm derived from lack of integration with prevailing materials.

Overall, the proposal would not conform with the existing context and would harm the character and appearance of the area. It would therefore conflict with Policy SWDP 21 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan 2016. Among other things, the policy sets out that all development will be expected to be of a high design quality. It will need to integrate effectively with its surroundings, in terms of form and function, and reinforce local distinctiveness.

I accept the general importance of insulating homes in order to combat climate change. However, there is no empirical evidence or other material specifications submitted in support of the proposal demonstrating that the render in question would achieve appreciable energy savings to the extent that the harm established under the main issue would be outweighed. Consequently, the matter has not been determinative in my decision.

For the reasons given, the appeal is dismissed.