Appeal 3319712

The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for installation of solar panels on the flat dormer roof at the rear of the house mounted on a mounting system that props the panel up at a 20-degree angle, facing south to allow optimal conversion of solar energy at [site address] in accordance with the terms of the application Ref: P/3708/22 dated 27 October 2022, subject to the following conditions:

The development hereby permitted shall begin not later than 3 years from the date of this decision.

The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: PL-DR-00-00; PL-DR-EX-00-01; PL-DR-EX- 01-02; NC-23.1 Rev 1; NC-24 Rev 1; NC-25 Rev 1.

The main issue in this appeal is the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the existing property and on the local area.

The appeal property is a semi-detached property on the east side of [address], towards its northern end which is a no through road with no vehicular access through to [address]. The surrounding area is predominantly residential with a mix of houses, bungalows and small blocks of flats. The appeal property benefits from a flat roofed rear dormer extension, across most of the rear roof slope. The proposal relates to the installation of solar and renewable energy plant and equipment on the flat roofed rear dormer.

The Appellant’s objective to enhance the dwelling’s sustainability and self-sufficiency in energy terms is to be welcomed and is supported at a national and local policy level. I also understand the restrictions on suitable places to mount the plant in order for it to be effective given the orientation of the building and works already undertaken at the property. However, this energy sustainability objective needs to be balanced with other planning considerations and in this instance the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the local area.

Although the plant would be seen in some street scene views, these views would not be extensive. This is both because of the siting of the plant towards the rear of the dwelling and the angle of view and because some of it would be largely obscured from view as a result of other built development. Where the plant would be seen, it would appear as lightweight structures and its purpose self-evident. Given both its relative small scale in relation to the property, and that it would be appropriately spaced across the rear roof dormer, I do not agree with the Council’s concern that it would lead to a cluttered appearance which would detract from the character and appearance of the existing property. Furthermore, the plant and equipment would not be overly dominant in street scene views.

I am therefore satisfied that the proposal would not detract from but would respect the character and appearance of the existing house and of the local area. There would be no conflict with Policy D3.D(1) and (11) of The London Plan (2021), Policy CS1.B of the [name] (2012), policy DM1 of the Harrow Development Management Policies Local Plan (2013), and the Supplementary Planning Document: [name] (2010) as well as the National Planning Policy Framework and in particular Section 12, all of which amongst other matters, seek a high quality of design which respects the local context.

The Appellant has drawn my attention to a permission granted by a different London Council for solar panels in a similar arrangement to the proposal before me. However, my consideration is necessarily based on the proposal before me taking into account the relevant development plan and other material considerations pertaining to this proposal.

In terms of conditions, I shall list the approved plans for the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of good planning.

For the reasons given above and having regard to all other matters raised, I conclude that this appeal should be allowed.