Appeal 3359556

The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for a single storey front extension at [site address] in accordance with, the application Ref DM2024/01428 subject to the following conditions:

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

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

the development herby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following drawings: Block Plan (scale 1:500); Location Plan (scale 1:1250); CO/D5/01 [name].

The site visit was undertaken by a representative of the Inspector whose recommendation is set out below and to which the Inspector has had regard before deciding the appeal.

The main issue in the appeal is the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the host dwelling and the wider area, with particular regard to the [address] street scene.

This part of [address] features three short terraces of 1960’s properties, the appeal property is located towards the end of one of the terraces. Each property has a small front garden and path, with the majority featuring a large centrally located porch. The open plan layout results in the front of the terraced row being clearly open to view from [address] and the [address] [name] opposite. Appeal Planning Officer APP/P5870/D/25/3359556

The terraced properties are all broadly similar in their design and a clearly defined front building line at the front provides a sense of rhythm to the appearance of the terrace. However, there is some variation, most notably in the placement and design of some of the windows and doors at the front of the properties and some of the buildings materials used. I also saw on my site visit that No. [address] features a full width ground floor front extension which is very similar to the appeal proposal.

The proposal is for a modest front porch extension. The porch would not project forward of the current building line and the flat roof design and materials will be very similar to the current porch. The window design and placement in the proposed porch would reflect some of the styles already present along [address]. Whilst widening of the porch would change the appearance, the style is in keeping with the property and other porches on the terrace and I do not consider that it would dominant or unduly disrupt the appearance of the property or the terrace row.

I therefore conclude, for the above reasons, that the proposed development would not have a harmful effect on the character and appearance of the area, having particular regard to this part of the [address] street scene and is in accordance with Policy 28 of the Sutton Local Plan 2016-2031 (February 2018), the Supplementary Planning Document Creating Locally [name] (SPD 14) and the National Planning Policy Framework (the Framework) which seek, amongst other things, to ensure that development respects local context and respond to local character. The proposal is also in accordance with guidance contained within the Supplementary Planning Document 'Design of [name] (SPD 4) which advises that extensions should always be in sympathy with the appearance of the original dwelling.

I have imposed the standard conditions relating to the commencement of development and specifying the relevant plans in order to provide certainty. I have included a condition requiring the external materials to match the existing building to protect the character and appearance of the appeal property and terraces.

The proposal would not conflict with the development plan as a whole and there are no other considerations, including the provisions of the Framework, which outweigh this finding. For the reasons given above and having had regard to all other matters raised, I recommend that the appeal should be approved.

I have considered all the submitted evidence and my representative’s report and on that basis the appeal is approved.