Appeal 6007581

The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted the erection of a front roof extension to the house at [site address] , Hounslow [postcode] in accordance with the terms of the application, [name]/2026/0060, subject to the following conditions: - a) The development hereby permitted shall begin no later than 3 years from the date of this decision. b) The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: Location Plan and plans 001, 002, 003, 004 and 005. c) The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with those materials as specified upon the planning application form.

The main issue raised by this appeal is the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the host dwelling and the surrounding area.

The properties along this side of [address] are of a similar style and form. Many of those host roof dormers, some of similar appearance to that proposed. Close by the adjacent pair of semi-detached properties host front dormer roof extensions.

The local planning authority highlights that those existing front roof extensions are historic and took place before the adoption of the most recent policy guidelines. Whilst not every property hosts front roof dormers, they are an established feature within this street scene and form part of the context and the character of the area. As such, the addition of a front dormer roof extension would not appear unsympathetic to the host dwelling or out of keeping given the prevalence of such roof features within this street scene. Furthermore, the street scene would not be substantially changed to such a degree that would harm its character and appearance as front roof dormers are a recurring feature within roof slopes.

For these reasons, I conclude that the proposed development would not harm the character and appearance of the host dwelling and the surrounding area. As such, the proposed development would comply with Policies CC1, CC2 and SC7 of the London Borough of Hounslow Local Plan. These policies seek, amongst other matters, development to respect the context and character of the area and to maintain the character of the general street scene.

The Hounslow Character, Sustainability and Design Codes Supplementary Planning Document Part A5 - [name] states that “dormer windows to the front of the property will generally be refused due to their impact on the character of the street scene”. Notwithstanding this guidance I have found that the front roof dormer would not harm the character of the street scene in this case.

I have considered what conditions would be appropriate in light of paragraph 56 of the National Planning Policy Framework and the Planning Practice Guidance. In addition to the standard time limit condition and in the interests of certainty it is appropriate that there is a condition requiring the development to be carried out in accordance with the approved plans. In the visual interests of the locality the development should be undertaken in accordance with those materials as specified within the planning application form.

For the reasons set out above, and subject to the conditions listed, this appeal should be allowed.