Appeal 6000132

Albeit of similar heights to each other, there is considerable variety in the form and appearance of the mainly semi-detached properties on [address].

The development would change the appearance of the house, and a larger expanse of the flank wall would be visible close to the appeal site. However, there would be no increase in the ridge height of the dwelling, and the external materials would relate well to it. Furthermore, in terms of its size, bulk, and design, the resultant dwelling would not be dissimilar or incongruous with several other nearby houses – some of which also include multi-storey side extensions, gable and/or half-hipped roof shapes, and rear dormers.

The fairly modestly-sized, and simply-detailed outbuilding, would be located at the far end of the rear garden. It would be between 2 similarly located outbuildings in the gardens of adjacent properties. As such, and because its scale would be substantially less than the host dwelling, it would appear subservient to it, and it would not jar with either the house or other nearby buildings.

Consequently, the proposal would not harm the character and appearance of the area and accords with the policies cited in the decision notice. Issue – effect on the living conditions of the occupiers of [address] (no. 5), with particular regard to outlook and sunlight

Both in the garden and through the rear-facing clear-glazed windows of the house at no. 5, the occupiers have a good standard of outlook over and above the property’s sizable rear garden. The proposed side and rear extensions would be set back from the shared boundary with this neighbouring property by a pathway, and the ground and first-floor levels of the side and rear extension would not project significantly further back than the equivalent parts of the house at no. 5. As such, and because the appeal site facing side windows in no. 5 are obscurely glazed, the development would not be oppressive or harmfully prominent from this neighbouring property.

In part due to its orientation, the rear of the house at no. 5 is in sunlight for much of the available time. So too, is much of its rear garden. Consequently, for the reasons previously given, and because most of the extensions and alterations to the dwelling would take place to the northeast of the house at no. 5, any reduction in sunlight to this neighbouring property would be minimal in extent and not harmful to the living conditions of its occupiers.

For these reasons the proposal would not harm the living conditions of the occupiers of no. 5, with particular regard to outlook and sunlight, and accords with the policies cited in the decision notice.

A future material change of use of part of the site to create a separate planning unit would require planning permission. As such, there is no need for a related condition.

The proposal complies with the development plan as a whole and nothing indicates a decision otherwise.

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 drawing nos; Location plan dated 28.09.24, 00-1 dated 04.06.24, 00-2 rev dated 23.08.24, 01-1 dated 04.06.24, and 02-2 dated 04.06.24. Reason: Certainty

The external materials of the extensions hereby permitted shall match those used in the existing dwelling. Reason: Protect character and appearance of area

Prior to the first use of the development hereby permitted, the first-floor bedroom window on the southwest-facing elevation of the dwelling, shall be fitted with obscure glazing, and no part of that window which is less than 1.7m above the floor level of the room in which it is installed shall be capable of being opened. Thereafter this window shall remain obscurely glazed, and non-opening for the first 1.7m above the floor level of the room it serves. Reason: Protect living conditions of occupiers of no.5.