Appeal 6000633

The appeal is dismissed.

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

[address] is a residential cul-de-sac consisting of 2 storey detached and semi-detached dwellings with a high degree of uniformity in their appearance. Most notably, Georgian-style windows with glazing bars are a consistent feature throughout [address] and the wider Fernyhurst estate. Together with the limited material pallet consisting of brick and weatherboarding, the Georgian-style windows are a distinctive feature of the area that contributes to the overall cohesive and uniform character and appearance.

The appeal site is positioned at the end of the cul-de-sac. Despite its position, it is visible within the street scene and contributes to the overall uniformity through its existing windows with glazing bars. Although multi-pane windows were originally a product of practicality, their modern use has developed into a design choice with the use of glazing bars to give the same effect.

The overall shape, colour and size of the frames of the windows would remain consistent and would therefore be in accordance with the technical guidance quoted by the appellant. However, the loss of the glazing bars at the appeal site would be highly noticeable within the street scene. The introduction of plain windows on the host would erode its positive contribution to the character and appearance of the area, disrupting the pleasant uniformity of [address].

Only one dwelling in the cul-de-sac has plain glazed windows, [address]. As discussed, the uniformity of the consistent use of glazing bars are integral to the Appeal Decision Ref: 6000633 homogenous street scape. [name] have not been provided with the details of the circumstances relating to the windows at No 8, the cumulative impact of the removal of the glazing bars at the appeal site would undermine the homogenous appearance of the area.

It is evident that some dwellings in Fernyhurst estate have been subject to alterations, including solar panels. Solar panels are generally sited on the roof, and therefore do not make the same contribution to the street scene as windows, which are both highly visible and form a distinctive feature of the area. The impact of solar panels and plain glazed windows are therefore not comparable.

For these reasons, I conclude that the proposal harms the character and appearance of the area. As such, it conflicts with Policy E1 of the Test Valey Borough Revised Local Plan (2016) which seeks to ensure that development integrates, respects and complements the character of the area.

Buildings outside of the Fernyhurst estate do not have glazing bars. However, given that these buildings do not form part of the homogenous appearance of the dwellings within the Fernyhurst estate they do not make the same contribution to the character and appearance of the area as buildings within the estate. This matter therefore bears limited weight on my decision.

The removal of the glazing bars may marginally increase the amount of natural light entering into the property. However, the decreased energy needed to light rooms as a result of the proposal is unlikely to be significant. As such, I do not find that this benefit would outweigh the harm I have identified above.

Nursling and Rownhams Parish Council had no objection to the proposal, and no comments were received from any neighbouring residents. However, this does not outweigh the harm I have identified to the character and appearance of the area.

For the reasons given above the appeal should be dismissed.