Front extension and windows at Yew Tree Cottage, Hemming Green, Chesterfield
Summary of planning committee decision
Decided by North East Derbyshire Planning Committee on 19 May 2026.
What was proposed
The application sought a two-storey front extension and enlargement of two first-floor side bedroom windows.
“Full planning permission is sought for a two-storey front extension and enlargement of two first floor side bedroom windows. The proposed development has been amended during the processing of the application. The revisions can be described as a reduction in the overall projection of the proposed two-storey front extension.”
“As amended, the proposed development seeks planning permission to construct a two-storey front extension and enlarge two existing first floor side bedroom windows. The proposed extension would comprise a two-storey gable fronted addition, which would project approximately 3.4m from the north-east facing elevation of the existing dwelling. From ground level, the proposed extension would measure approximately 5.1m and 7.2m to eaves and ridge heights respectively.”
Officer report
The site
The detached dwelling is in countryside within the Green Belt and a sensitive landscape area, beside a public footpath and open fields.
“The application site comprises a detached dwelling situated within a relatively spacious parcel of land located on the southern side of a public highway which is identified as Hemming Green. The site is occupied by 3 main buildings, these being: the application property, a substantially proportioned detached garage towards the western edge of the site, and an outbuilding within the north- eastern corner of the site.”
“The site is situated within countryside designated as North East Derbyshire Green Belt. The site is also located within a primary Area of Multiple Environmental Sensitivity (AMES): The site is situated within the Peak Fringe & Lower Derwent landscape character area, and the landscape character is identified as Wooded Slopes & Valleys.”
Officer report
Why refusal was advised
Officers considered the proposed extension, combined with earlier additions, disproportionate in the Green Belt and found no Very Special Circumstances.
“Notwithstanding the cumulative volumetric increase in the size of the original building, Officers are of the view that the proposed extension the subject of this application would represent a substantial and prominent two-storey addition, located at the dwelling’s principal elevation.”
“In this case, Officers are unaware of any considerations that clearly outweigh the Green Belt harm identified. For that reason, Officers are of the opinion that Very Special Circumstances do not exist. It is therefore considered that the proposed development represents an unacceptable form of development in the Green Belt.”
Officer report
Consultation responses
The ward member and parish council made no comments, highways officers raised no objections, and no representations were received.
“The Ward Member was consulted on the application – no comments were received.”
“The Parish Council were consulted on the application – no comments were received.”
Officer report
Who spoke
The committee heard from the agent before considering the application.
What members discussed
Members discussed policy changes, earlier approvals and whether cumulative volume should determine the Green Belt assessment.
“Committee discussed the application. Members raised a query regarding any policy changes between the previous approvals and this application; Officers clarified to members that the NPPF had been updated but that there had been little shift in the Green Belt policy. Officers emphasised in response to members that the current Green Belt, was what the merits of the application should be weighed on.”
Minutes
The committee decision
The committee approved a motion to refuse permission in line with the officer recommendation, with final wording delegated to the Planning Manager.
“At the conclusion of the discussion Councillor F Peterson and Councillor C Gare moved and seconded a Motion to refuse the application, in line with officer recommendation. The Motion was put to a vote and approved.”
“The final wording of the refusal was delegated to the Planning Manager (Development Management).”
Minutes
The members' reasons
The resolution gives these reasons:
Minutes
- The proposed two-storey front extension, when assessed cumulatively with previous additions to the dwelling, would result in a disproportionate enlargement of the original building. As such, the proposal would not fall within any of the exceptions for development deemed not to be inappropriate in the Green Belt. The development would therefore constitute inappropriate development in the Green Belt
Source: the council's minutes, quoted word for word.
Sources
- North East Derbyshire Planning Committee minutes, 19 May 2026
- Agenda and papers (council website)
Source: Plota analysis of North East Derbyshire's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.
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See the API →At the meeting
- Council
- North East Derbyshire
- Date
- Tuesday 19 May 2026
- Recommendation
- Officers recommended refusal
- Committee decided
- Refused
- Minutes
- The council's minutes
- Meeting
- Agenda and papers (council website)
- Application
- View application →
- All decisions
- North East Derbyshire committee decisions →
This committee's year
5 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 2 against officer advice.
Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.