Appeal 6003250

The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for single storey wrap around extension at [site address] in accordance with the terms of the application, Ref 25/3440/HD, and the plans submitted with it, 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 drawing nos: A02 and A03.

The main issue is the effect on the living conditions of the neighbouring occupier, at [address] with regards to outlook.

The appeal site is located within a terrace where the dwellings have a two-storey outrigger to the rear under a pitched roof. The appeal site and its neighbouring property, No.182 have a single storey lean-to projection on the end of the outrigger.

The outriggers do not extend across the whole width of the property, resulting in a small open area at the rear of each of the dwellings. The neighbouring property has a single opening on the ground floor rear elevation, additional openings on the side of the rear outrigger and a window on both the side and southern end of the single storey lean-to projection.

I saw that the area between the two properties is separated by an existing boundary fence. The fence is close to existing windows and extends above the head of the windows on the rear elevation of both properties. This means that the area to the rear of the neighbouring property is already somewhat enclosed. I also saw that the neighbouring property is located on slightly higher ground than the appeal site.

Both of these factors together mean that the erection of a single storey flat roof extension to the side and rear of the appeal property will not markedly change the outlook from the neighbouring windows or increase the sense of enclosure to the neighbouring occupiers to any noticeable extent.

The Council’s office report concludes against Policies D14 of The London Plan, adopted March 2021 and policy E(a) of the Royal Greenwich Local Plan: [name] with [name], adopted July 2014 (CS). However, as these relate to noise and pollution respectively, they are not relevant to the proposal before me.

I find no conflict with Policy D3 of TLP and Policy DH(b) of the CS which require developments to take into consideration surrounding buildings and to demonstrate that there would be no unacceptable loss of amenity to adjacent occupiers resulting from an unneighbourly sense of enclosure.

In addition to the standard time condition, it is necessary to specify the approved plans in the interests of certainty. A condition relating to materials is not necessary as the planning application form confirms the use of matching materials.

The proposed development would accord with the development plan and there are no material considerations that outweigh this finding. Accordingly, the appeal is allowed.