Appeal 3368065

The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for installation of one dormer window and one Velux or Velux type window at [name], [site address] , [site address] , Norfolk [postcode] . The permission is granted in accordance with the terms of the application Ref 2025/0225, dated 24 January 2025, 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 approved drawings: 1797.01 [name] (site plan), 1797.02 (plans and section and elevations - rooflight) and elevations for dormer window, dated September 2024.

The main issue is the effect of the proposed dormer window on the character and appearance of the host building and surrounding area.

The site of the proposed dormer is a converted agricultural building within a farm complex in a rural setting. The surrounding area is open countryside with sporadic development.

Policies DM1.4, DM3.4 and DM3.8 of the South Norfolk Local Plan Development [name] (2015) and Policy 2 of the Greater Norwich Local Plan (2024) all require high quality design from development, including protection and enhancement of locally distinctive character and for residential extensions and conversions to maintain or enhance the character of the building.

The appeal building is single storey but has a substantive footprint with variable roof heights. The dormer would be of limited size in this context and, therefore, a relatively modest, proportionate addition in terms of the building’s overall size. The new window would be positioned to the rear of the front wing of the building close to the road. Due to its position and limited height it would not be visible from in front of the building or approaching it in either direction along [site address] . It would only be seen, therefore, from within the site itself where there is a range of different buildings, hardstanding and other structures.

The appellant indicates that the wing of the appeal building on which the dormer would be located is a new build element and that this replaced a former wooden garage/shed. From my own inspection of the building it has limited architectural merit and any original traditional elements that might have been present previously are not readily apparent.

Taking these findings as a whole, the dormer window would be a modest and discreet addition to the appeal building, which would not be readily visible or otherwise incongruous in its particular setting. Accordingly, for these reasons, I conclude that the proposed window would not have an unacceptably harmful effect on the character and appearance of the host building and surrounding area. As a result, there is no conflict with Policies DM1.4, DM3.4 and DM3.8 of the South Norfolk Local Plan Development [name] or with Policy 2 of the Greater Norwich Local Plan, as described.

The velux window would be a minor addition to the appeal property and I note that the Council’s view is that no harm arises from this element of the proposal. I concur with this.

For the reasons given above it is concluded that the appeal should succeed.

Of the Council’s suggested conditions I have imposed the standard time condition and, to ensure the proper implementation of the proposal, one requiring development to be carried out in accordance with the approved plans.