Appeal 3361210

The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for a roof conversion and extension, extension to the rear of the property at [site address] , Northam, Devon [postcode] in accordance with the terms of the application, Ref 1/0760/2024/FUL, subject to the following conditions:

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

The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following plans: Location Plan; 01 Rev 3 Existing and [name] (Revised); 02 Rev 3 [name] and [name] (Revised); 03 Rev 3 Existing and [name] (Revised); 04 Rev 3 Existing and [name] (Revised); 05 Rev 3 Existing and [name] (Revised); 06 Rev 3 Existing and [name] (Revised); and 07 Rev 3 Existing and [name] (Revised).

The external materials of the development hereby permitted shall match those used in the existing dwelling.

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

No. [site address] is located on a gently sloping road within a residential area. The proposed development would extend the existing bungalow to create a larger two storey dwelling. At present, the ridge height of No. 9 is slightly lower than that of the two homes either side and substantially lower than the ridge height of No. 7. As such, it is clear that there is currently no consistency in terms of roof heights in the immediate area, and that the height of the dwellings does not gradually decrease to correspond with the sloping topography of the land.

Therefore, while the proposed works would increase the height of No. 9 to a fairly modest extent, this would not disrupt any existing pattern in terms of roof lines. The extended house would of course be a more substantial structure than is currently the case. However, while bungalows are the most common form of development in the vicinity, there are examples of larger two storey dwellings nearby. This includes No. 30 which is located immediately opposite the appeal site. As a result, I am satisfied that the extension to No. 9 would not appear as being incongruous or overly dominant within the street scene.

I therefore conclude that the proposed development would not result in harm to the character and appearance of the area. As such, it would conform with Policies ST04, DM04 and DM25 of the [name] and Torridge Local Plan 2011 – 2031. Taken together, the relevant aspects of these policies seek to ensure that new developments, including residential extensions, are well designed and that they preserve character and appearance. The scheme would also conform with the relevant aspects of the National Planning Policy Framework which have similar aims.

I have imposed conditions to identify the relevant plans and timescales in the interests of certainty. A further condition related to materials is necessary to preserve character and appearance.

The proposed development is in accordance with the development plan when considered as a whole. Having had regard to all matters raised, I conclude that the appeal should be allowed.