Single-storey porch extension at 27 Colet Gardens, Hammersmith, London W14

What was proposed

The application proposed a single-storey porch extension to the front side of the main building.

“Description: Erection of a single storey porch extension to front side of the main building.”

Officer report

The site

The property is a ground-floor maisonette within a uniform estate, with red brick walls, a flat roof and an existing kitchen outrigger.

“The host property is located within the St Paul's Court estate off Colet Gardens. The host property is a maisonette flat with the ground floor situated on the eastern side and the first floor above the rear maisonette on the western side. The host building is comprised of red brick with a flat roof, and there is an original small kitchen outrigger to the front elevation of the flat at ground floor.”

“The immediate areas is comprised of uniform maisonette flat blocks across the St Paul's Court estate, with similar ground floor kitchen outriggers and cross level layouts. The estate is bounded by a 2m high brick wall to the boundary along Colet Gardens and additional internal boundary walls between the shared pathways and private garden areas.”

Officer report

Planning history

Earlier permission covered uPVC windows in stairwell openings, and there were no similar porch or conservatory applications within the wider estate.

“2007/02922/FUL: Installation of uPVC windows to existing openings in stairwell: Approved 04/10/2007 (numbers 27-61 Colet Gardens)”

“There are no similar planning applications for porch/conservatory structures within the wider St Paul's Estate.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the modest glazed extension, with brown aluminium framing, would respect the building and cause no unacceptable harm to neighbours.

“Amendments were sought through the course of the application to revise the colour of the aluminium framing from black to brown. The brown colour would be in keeping with the existing window colour of the host building and the brown would result in a greater sense of cohesion between the existing building and the proposed extension.”

“Officers have considered the proposals and raise no objection to the principle of the devel- opment. The lightweight and modest scale of the extension would not harm the uniformity or de- sign of the wider estate, subject to the framing being brown rather than black. A condition has been recommended to ensure that the final colour of the framing would be retained as brown to ensure it would result in an appropriate appearance.”

Officer report

What people said

Thirty-seven objections cited design, precedent, privacy, light, noise, scale and consultation concerns, while seven responses supported the proposal.

“Individual notification letters were sent to 44 neighbouring properties. In response, 37 objec- tion letters were received which raised the following summary representations: - The proposal would be a departure from the established architectural character and layout – in both design and materials - There is a consistent design to the whole estate - It would set a precedent within the estate - The height would be close to the windows of the above flat - The development…”

“Seven (7) letters of support were received as part of the consultation, summarised as: - General support for the proposals - Support the design as it would be in keeping with the estate and add good character - The proposal maintains the privacy for the property…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Neil Egerton gave a presentation, two objectors spoke against approval and the applicant spoke in support.

The decision

The committee authorised planning permission subject to the listed conditions and allowed minor changes to conditions after consultation.

“That the Executive Director for Place be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the conditions listed in the report.”

“That the Executive Director for Place, after consultation with the Assistant Director of Legal Services and the Chair of the Planning and Development Control Committee be authorised to make any minor changes to the proposed conditions, which may include the variation, addition, or deletion of conditions, any such changes shall be within their discretion.”

Minutes