Appeal 6006684

The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for installation of automated electric sliding gates and alteration of existing boundary wall at [site address] , Havering [postcode] in accordance with the terms of the application, [name].1606.25, and the plans submitted with it, subject to the following

The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with drawing number Y2695/2025-A21 Rev R2.

Prior to installation of the metal gates and balustrading, details of the width and form of vertical struts to be used shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

The application form states the development as not started. On my site visit, I saw that some work had been undertaken including the paving, removal of the hedgerows and construction of low-level brick walls albeit not to the height of the submitted plans and without pillars. I have considered the appeal on the basis that the development has commenced but remains substantively incomplete.

The main issue is the effect of the proposed development upon the character and appearance of the street scene.

The appeal site comprises a detached dwelling within a street of primarily two storey substantial properties in a quiet residential neighbourhood within Emerson Park Policy Area (Sector 2). Properties in the street are set back from the highway with front curtilage areas used for parking and garden space. Boundary treatments consist of a mixture of brick walls, hedging, railings and no physical boundary however overall retain a generally open and spacious feel to the street.

The proposed boundary to the appeal site comprising brick walls and black metal gates / balustrading would be reflective of other nearby examples, retaining the typical low level brick wall, and would support the appellant in providing an appropriate level of security to the property. The submitted plans show the front boundary to comprise a simple, contemporary design of gates to a height of 1.6 metres with matching balustrade topping low level brick walls. The proposed front elevation (plan number Y2695/2025-A21 R2) shows the vertical emphasis of the gates and balustrade but does not confirm the degree of visibility through the boundary. The example provided in the Design and [name] shows a gate with deep struts that appears solid when viewed from an angle.

Other gates and railings within the street scene maintain a high degree of visibility thereby contributing to the sense of openness to the front curtilage areas which is a key characteristic at this location. In order to retain a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the property and street scene, I find it necessary to ensure that the gates and balustrading are not of solid construction or appearance but maximise the visual permeability. This will need to be secured by planning

On this basis, the proposed development would not have an unacceptable harmful effect on the character and appearance of the street scene, and I therefore find no conflict with Policies 7, 10, 23, 24 or 26 of the Havering Local Plan 2016 - 2031 or Policies D1, D4 or T6 of the London Plan (2021). These policies, taken together, require development to make a positive design contribution, focussing on local distinctiveness and site characteristics. Furthermore, the development accords with the approach to achieving good design as set out in the [name] and Alterations Supplementary Planning Document (2011) and the National Planning Policy Framework (2024) (NPPF).

Legislation requires the imposition of a condition specifying the period for commencement of the development however the works have already commenced in this case so that this condition is unnecessary. A condition identifying the approved drawing is necessary to provide certainty. Given the lack of clarity regarding the visibility through the gates and balustrading, I have attached a condition to agree the specifics to ensure that a high degree of visibility is retained into the site to maintain the character and appearance of the dwelling and the contribution it makes to the surrounding area.

The council suggest a condition to require finishes to match the existing dwelling however the proposal for brickwork and black metal gates / balustrading does not expressly mirror finishes to the dwelling and this is acceptable. In addition, the paving has been completed and brickwork commenced. As such, the approved drawing specifying the black metal finish to the gates and balustrading is sufficient in this instance.

For the reasons given above the appeal should be allowed.