Appeal 6007329

The appeal is allowed, and planning permission is granted for a front extension and alterations to external materials at [site address] in accordance with application Ref. PLAN/2025/0530, subject to the following

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: Location Plan - TQRQM25174103047403, Block Plan - 17MR_[name], Existing - 7MR_EXISTING and Proposed - 17MR_PROPOSED [name]

The materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces shall accord with the specification on plan 17MR_PROPOSED [name].

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

The appeal property is part of a staggered row of four link-detached properties of the same design, with a gabled form and white cladding to the first floor. It is part of the Goldsworth Park estate, a large residential area laid out as cul-de-sacs, with homogeneity in house types, open frontages, and interspersed pockets of amenity land and vegetation.

The proposal would extend and infill the porch, replace the existing white fenestration and rainwater goods with dark grey and introduce render and cedar cladding to the facades. Together, this would create a more contemporary appearance and provide enhanced insulation. There would, however, be a visual contrast with the existing external materials in the locality, which are primarily red brick, tile hanging or white cladding, together with white detailing.

The appellant has drawn my attention to a number of properties where different materials have been introduced. Some of these are in other parts of what is a very large estate, and/or are newer developments that have been subsequently added (i.e. in [address]). Within the context of the appeal site, to a neighbouring street, [address], planning permission was granted for alterations and new materials to No.22 which are not dissimilar to the appeal proposal. While the location of that property and its alignment with its neighbours is different, the principle of alternative external materials to that of the original property has been supported.

Such alterations are limited. There is, however, nothing before me which suggests that the existing materials in themselves should be retained. The Council’s Design Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)1 provides borough-wide guidance. It advises that the area is part of the suburban character area, and whilst it encourages development that respects the area's character, it does not set any specific design requirements or architectural features for properties in Goldsworth Park.

Based on my observations, the dwellings across the estate have largely preserved their original 1970s/1980s appearance. This consistency is likely attributable, in part, to the planning condition on the outline consent, which removed permitted development rights. It is also recognised that properties must adapt and evolve, and that external materials have developed over time through technical advances, offer wider colour ranges, and that aesthetic preferences change.

There is a clear cohesion to the appeal property and its immediate neighbours, and in my view, this is somewhat more noticeable due to the white colouring and being a small, defined group. Nevertheless, in views from the east, No.17 is seen in the context of other property types with darker tile hanging. From the opposite direction, the alignment of the buildings means that the frontage is visible only at close range. In addition, the existing brick flank elevation, which runs alongside the footpath, would remain largely unchanged.

As a result of the proposed development, the property would have a different appearance from its immediate neighbours. I do not, however, find that it would be discordant. The appeal property has previously been extended to the side, and grey detailing has been introduced to the porch, thereby reducing uniformity. The orientation of the cladding was amended to reflect the existing horizontal emphasis, and the render would be light in colour, thereby responding to the existing form while introducing a contemporary treatment applied across the property as a whole.

As set out in paragraph 135(c) of the National Planning Policy Framework (the Framework), developments are required to be sympathetic to local character while not preventing or discouraging appropriate innovation or change. The Council has raised no objection to the porch extension, and I have no reason to disagree. Although the proposal would depart from the existing materials, for the reasons given, I do not find it incompatible with the appearance of the host property or the 1 [name] [address] scene, and the overall pattern and character of the development would be primarily maintained.

Accordingly, I find that the proposal would not be significantly harmful to the character and appearance of this part of the estate and would comply with the [name] (2012) policies CS21 and CS24, which, together and, amongst other things, require development to respect the character of the area and to conserve the townscape.

Conditions are necessary in line with statutory requirements and for certainty in relation to the commencement of development and the plans. Details of the materials are indicated on the plans; therefore, further specification, as suggested by the Council, is not necessary. I have, however, included a condition requiring the development to accord with these details in the interest of the character and appearance of the area.

For the reasons set out and having regard to all other matters raised, the appeal is allowed.