Appeal 6005720

The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for single storey rear extension and porch extension at [site address] in accordance with the terms of the application, [name]/25/4523/VOC, subject to the following condition:

The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with drawing number 1981/1 [name] (Oct.’25) 1/Face brick colour changed.

The application seeks a revised palette of materials to the approved extension and porch. This type of application is possible as a condition was imposed on the original permission specifying the approved plans which annotated the materials.

The development subject to this decision is complete and I was able to view the development when I attended my site visit.

The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the existing dwelling and surrounding area.

No 213 is one half of a pair of two-storey semi-detached dwellings. It occupies a corner plot at the junction with [address], which is the main contributor road into a residential estate. The dwelling is set back from the road by a deep grass verge to its front and side elevations. The front of the property is set behind a low wall and driveway, and the eastern boundary of the site is bordered by a 1.8m fence.

In the locality I observed dwellings to be finished in an eclectic mix of materials. To the west of the appeal site lie several single storey dwellings finished in an array of painted render, including blue, pink and yellow tones. Nearby dwellings are also constructed in brickwork with contrasting rendered elements, and the adjoining property incorporates clay hung tiles to its front elevation. Whilst render is apparent within the locality it does not dominate the external appearance of development such that brickwork is uncharacteristic.

The brickwork is multi-tonal and blends to some extent with the pebbledash exterior of the main dwellinghouse and is not harmfully discordant with it. There is limited visibility of the rear extension due to the presence of the high boundary fence. Consequently, the external finish of the rear extension does not appear unduly dominant in the streetscene.

The evidence indicates that the porch had previously been approved to be finished in either render or red brickwork. Either of these external finishes would have resulted in a contrast with the existing pebbledash exterior of the dwelling. Although the porch is readily visible within the streetscene, given its modest dimensions and set back from the highway, I do not find the proposed brickwork to be incongruous such that it is materially harmful to the character and appearance of the dwelling and the wider streetscene.

For the reasons stated, I conclude that the proposal does not materially harm the character and appearance of the existing dwelling or surrounding area. Accordingly, I find no conflict with Policy WLP8.29 of the Waveney Local Plan 2019 and Policy LOW9 of the Lowestoft Neighbourhood Plan 2025. Collectively, and amongst other things, these seek to achieve high-quality design that responds positively to local character.

This appeal relates solely to the variation of approved materials. Any discrepancies between the approved plans and the constructed development are not part of this appeal and should be considered separately by the Local Planning Authority if deemed necessary.

As the development has been completed, it is not necessary to impose the standard time limit for commencement. A plans condition is necessary in the interests of certainty.

For the reasons given above, having had regard to the development plan and Framework as a whole, the appeal is allowed. [planning inspector] INSPECTOR