Appeal 6005424

The appeal is dismissed.

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

The appeal property is located within the defined settlement boundary of College Town where in principle new development is supported subject to compliance with other relevant planning policies.

[site address] forms part of a modern open plan estate where the open gardens and soft planting within them, together with the grass verges and street trees all contribute to the spacious and suburban character and appearance of the estate. [address] occupies a prominent position close to the entrance to the estate and comprises a terrace of five attached dwellings with deep front gardens. Due to the alignment of the highway their front gardens are particularly prominent when approaching the entrance to the estate from [site address] .

Collectively and amongst other things policies LP28 and LP50 of the Bracknell Forest Local Plan 2020-2037 (LP), and paragraph 135 of the National Planning Policy Framework 2024 (the Framework), seek to ensure that proposals achieve a high standard of design. They should create or respond to and enhance existing attractive places; relate well to their surroundings; and make efficient use of land, having regard to the character of the area. Consistent with this section 4.11 of the Bracknell Forest Council Design - Supplementary Planning Document 2017 (SPD), advises that new garages should not affect the character of the street scene or the area.

The proposed carport comprises a lightweight structure with a slimline powder coated aluminium frame under a tinted flat polycarbonate roof. It would be set 6.4 metres back from the front boundary of the property; 4.4 metres to the front of the main dwelling, and would project across more than half the width of the front garden.

I appreciate that the proposed carport would have open sides and be modest in height and form. However, due to the open and spacious character and appearance of [address] and its setting, the proposed carport would have an enclosing impact on the host dwelling, the terrace, and the street scene. It would appear uncharacteristic and totally out of keeping with the open plan character and appearance of the street scene and the area.

For these reasons the proposed carport would unduly harm and undermine the prevailing character and appearance of the street scene and the estate as a whole. This harm would outweigh the benefits for the appellant that would result from the proposed carport. It is also not a matter that could be satisfactorily dealt with by

I conclude on the main issue that the proposal would unacceptably harm the character and appearance of the area. Accordingly, it conflicts with [name] LP28 & LP50, paragraph 135 of the Framework and section 4.11 of the SPD.

It is noted that the highway authority raised an objection to the proposal. As stated in the council’s delegated report, although the carport would not meet the highway authority’s desired dimensions, this would not prevent it from being used by the occupiers of the property. Also, the proposal carport would not affect vehicular or pedestrian visibility. I have no reason to disagree with this conclusion.

[name] have found in favour of the appellant concerning highway matters and taken into account all other matters raised, this does not outweigh my conclusion on the main issue.