Loft conversion at 38 Frays Avenue, West Drayton

What was proposed

The application proposed converting the loft into habitable accommodation, raising the ridge, adding rooflights and a rear half-hipped loft window.

“Proposal: Conversion of loft space to habitable use to include raising ridge height, roof lights to front, rear and side, rear half -hipped loft window, and amendments to fenestrations.”

“Planning permission is sought for the conversion of the existing loft space to habitable accommodation, including a 0.6m increase in ridge height, installation of rooflights, and the formation of a rear half -hipped loft window with a small crown -roof element. The property lies within the Garden City, West Drayton Area of Special Local Character (ASLC) and Flood Zone 2.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The detached two-storey house has a large rear garden, front parking and sits in an Area of Special Local Character and Flood Zone 2.

“The application site comprises a detached two storey property located on the northwest side of Frays Avenue, West Drayton. The principal elevation of the property faces towards the southeast. To the northeast lies 38 Frays Avenue, a two-storey detached dwelling and to the Southwest lies 40 Frays Avenue, a newly…”

“The application site lies within the Garden City, West Drayton Area of Special Local Character (ASLC) and lies within Flood Zone 2.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the proposal compatible with the varied roofscape, neighbouring properties, private amenity space, parking, landscaping and flood-risk requirements.

“Following a full assessment, it is concluded that the proposal would integrate appropriately with the varied roofscape of Frays Avenue, would not result in harm to the character or appearance of the ASLC, and would safeguard the amenities of neighbouring properties. The development would provide acceptable internal accommodation, retain well in excess of the required private amenity space, and raise no concerns in respect of flooding, landscaping or parking provision.”

“It is recommended that planning permission is granted subject to conditions (Appendix 1) by virtue that the development would not have a significant impact on the amenities of neighbouring properties, nor would it harm the character and appearance of the Area of Special Local Character, and it would not have a harmful impact on the highway network.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The petitioner spoke against the proposal, and the ward councillor spoke in support of the petitioners; the agent was absent.

What members discussed

Members considered nearby roof accommodation, earlier permissions, the modest ridge increase, the crown roof’s visibility and the area’s changing character.

“Members sought clarification on whether neighbouring properties amounted to three storey development and how those permissions had been granted. Officers clarified that surrounding properties were two storey dwellings with accommodation in the roof space and that a modest increase in ridge height did not constitute an additional storey. It was explained that nearby permissions had been granted through delegated decisions and appeal, establishing a relevant precedent.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The application was proposed and seconded for approval in accordance with the officer recommendation.

“The application was proposed and seconded for approval in accordance with the officer recommendation.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application as recommended by officers.

“RESOLVED: That the application be approved as per officer recommendation.”

Minutes