Appeal 3324742

The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for a two storey side and single storey front & rear extension at [site address] in accordance with the terms of the application Ref 23/00055/FUL, dated 10 January 2023, 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: 2022/64, 2022/65.

The materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the development hereby permitted shall match those used in the existing building.

Since the determination of the application by the Council the Bexley Local Plan April 2023 (LP) has been adopted. This has superseded all policies contained in the Council's Unitary Development Plan (2004). I have determined the appeal on the basis of the newly adopted LP.

The main issue is the effect of the two-storey side extension on the living conditions of the occupants of 132 and [address] having regard to outlook and overbearing impact.

The appeal site consists of a two-storey, semi-detached property with off-street parking on the driveway to the front. It is located on the south side of [address] in a residential neighbourhood. _________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________

The side extension would run perpendicular to the rear elevations and garden areas of 132 and [address]. It would be set against the backdrop of the existing appeal dwelling, and would not project beyond its existing front or rear elevations. With this my mind, I consider that any changes in the outlook from the openings at both ground and first floor level of Nos. 132 and 134 would be limited. Views in other directions, for example along [address] and over the rear garden scene of dwellings in [address] and [address], would remain unimpeded and ensure that the appeal scheme would not dominate the outlook from the habitable areas.

I am therefore satisfied that the proposal would not have an unduly oppressive or intrusive effect on occupants of the internal rooms of Nos. 132 and 134. Even when viewed through the ground floor openings, the proposal is unlikely to result in a sense of confinement or enclosure sufficient to harm the living conditions of occupants. In a relatively high-density area such as this, it would clearly not be unusual to be able to see the built form of other dwellings from living rooms or bedrooms.

I note that the Council does not appear to object to the ground floor front or the rear elements of the proposals, and I have no reason to disagree.

On this basis I am drawn to conclude that the scheme would not result in material harm to the living conditions of the occupants of 132 and [address] with regard to outlook and overbearing impact. It would meet with Policy DP11 of the LP and the Council's Design and Development Control Guidelines 2, which together seek to ensure that ensure that, amongst other things, appropriate levels of outlook and other forms of amenity are provided.

I have considered the imposition of conditions in light of advice in Planning Policy Guidance and the National Planning Policy Framework. In addition to the standard implementation condition, the approved plans are listed for certainty. A condition requiring external materials to match those on the existing dwelling would provide for a satisfactory appearance.

Given my thoughts above and based on all matters advanced, the appeal is allowed.