Appeal 6002809

The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for extension and alteration at [site address] in accordance with the terms of the application, [name]/25/03701, and the plans submitted with it, subject to the conditions in the attached schedule.

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

The appeal property comprises a single storey residential dwelling set within a spacious, irregular shaped plot. The existing bungalow is of modest proportions, comprising two principal blocks connected by a small link extension. It is of no particular architectural merit owing to its piecemeal form and varying roof forms.

The appeal building is discreet within the wider streetscene due to its limited height and its location set behind various boundary treatments, including substantial fencing and landscaping. Accordingly, it has a neutral contribution to the character and appearance of the locality which comprises an eclectic mix of dwellings.

The appeal property would remain single storey in height and would not be materially higher than the existing ridge height. The varying roof profiles would not be wholly discordant with the existing dwelling and, in any event, would not be unduly prominent within the streetscene given its limited height and recessed position within the plot. Furthermore, the height of the roofs of neighbouring properties vary and are predominantly greater than that of the existing appeal dwelling. Accordingly, it would not appear incongruous in the streetscene.

I am mindful that the National Planning Policy Framework (the Framework) supports development proposals that are sympathetic to local character and history, including the surrounding built environment and landscape setting, while not preventing or discouraging appropriate innovation or change. Therefore, whilst the proposal would result in a sizeable increase in footprint and the inclusion of varying roof profiles it would not be harmful to the appearance of the existing property, and would remain proportionate to the plot in which the appeal dwelling lies. The contemporary palette of external materials, including the use of timber cladding, would enhance the visual appearance of the property. Furthermore, I do not concur that the proposal would be visually dominant such that it would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the appeal property or the wider streetscene.

For the reasons stated, the proposal would not be materially harmful to character and appearance. The proposal therefore accords with Policies LP03 and LP24 of the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan (2023). Collectively, and amongst other things, these require residential extensions to incorporate a high standard of design which maintains or enhances the character and appearance of the buildings, streetscene and surroundings. They also require proposals not to result in over-development of the plot and to retain suitable amenity space. Similarly, the proposal accords with the design principles of the Framework, as set out above.

In addition to the statutory time limit condition, in the interests of certainty I have imposed a condition requiring compliance with the submitted plans. Conditions to secure measures to enhance biodiversity are also necessary, in accordance with the requirements of relevant development plan policies.

In the interests of ecology and biodiversity I have imposed a condition for compliance with the submitted Bat Assessment and [name] plan. However, given the limited scale and nature of development proposed within an established residential plot it is not reasonable or necessary to require the submission of further detail for approval by the local planning authority in the form of a biodiversity enhancement strategy.

For the reasons stated the proposal complies with the development plan when read as a whole. The appeal is therefore allowed.

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 plans: 1715-01 - Site Plan, 1715-03 - [name] and Elevations and 1715-07 Roof Plan/[name].

All mitigation measures and/or works identified within the Bat Assessment ([name], May 2025) shall be implemented in full and maintained as such in perpetuity. ***End of Schedule***