Garage-to-office conversion at Lion Yard, Lewson Street Norton

“Report to Planning Committee – 13 th August 2026 ITEM 2.1 PLANNING COMMITTEE – 13 th August 2026 PART 2 Report of the Head of Planning PART 2 Applications for which PERMISSION is recommended 2.1 REFERENCE NO - 26/501448/FULL PROPOSAL - Conversion of existing garage into an office replacing the existing flat roof to pitch roof. Infilling of existing front recess. Removal of existing chimney and insertion of 4no. rear roof lights.”

“PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 3.1 This application seeks planning permission for the conversion of the existing garage into an office, and the replacement of the existing flat roof to the garage with a pitched roof. As a result, the roof height would be increased from 2.6m to 3.3m. The existing recessed area to the front of the property will also be infilled, bringing the entrance to the property in line with the main front elevation.”

“SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION 1.1 Lion Yard is a semi-detached chalet bungalow with an attached garage to the front of the property. The front amenity area has hardstanding covering the entire frontage allowing for several parking spaces.”

“The property lies within the Lewson Street conservation area and within the Local Plan defined built-up area boundary for Lewson Street, which at this point runs down the centre of Worlds End. The grade II listed Thatch Cottage is located approximately 38m to the south west of the application site, with the grade II listed ‘World’s End’ located approximately 63m to the north east. The surrounding street scene comprises of properties with varying designs and styles.”

“Overall, the proposals would result in a modest change to the appearance of the dwelling. They would have sufficient regard for the character, setting and context of the site and appear both appropriate and sympathetic to the location. They would also maintain the visual quality of the street scene and would as a result preserve the special character and appearance of the conservation area.”

“The grade II listed Thatch Cottage is located approximately 38m to the south west of the property and the grade II listed ‘World’s End’ is located approximately 63m to the north east. However, due to the small scale of the proposals and the intervening buildings, it is considered that the scheme would preserve the setting of these listed buildings.”

“CONSULTATION 4.1 Norton, Buckland And Stone Parish council – No comments received. SBC Heritage Officer – No objection, subject to conditions.”

“REPRESENTATIONS 5.1 One round of consultation has been undertaken, during which letters were sent to neighbouring occupiers, a site notice was displayed in the area and a notice placed in the newspaper. No comments were received. DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICIES 6.1 Bearing Fruits 2031: The Swale Borough Council Local Plan 2017 - policies: ST3 The Swale settlement strategy CP4 Requiring good design…”

“The changes to the front of the property involve removing the garage door and replacing it with brickwork and a window, and the replacement of the garage’s flat roof with a pitched roof. The proposal also involves bringing the main entrance to the property forward to align with the main existing front wall. In respect of the roof extension, the Council’s SPG related to householder development states that prominent extensions are normally better for having pitched roofs.”

“The only element of the proposal that would extend the building would be the introduction of a pitched roof on the front elevation. This would be located immediately adjacent to the garage located on the adjacent property, ‘Blairveen’. There are windows located at first floor level in this adjacent property, however, the proposed roof is of a limited height. Therefore, any impact upon outlook from this window or upon available light would be minimal.”

“The Planning Manager introduced the application as set out in the report.”

“The Chairman moved the officer recommendation to grant planning permission as per the recommendation in the report, and this was seconded by Councillor Harrison.”

“Resolved: That application 26/501448/FULL be granted as per the recommendation in the report.”

“CONDITIONS (1) The development to which this permission relates must be begun not later than the expiration of three years beginning with the date on which the permission is granted. Reason: In pursuance of Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.”

“(3) The materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the development hereby permitted shall match those on the existing building in terms of type, colour and texture.”