House extension at 16A Copthorne Road, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the garage and outbuilding and building front, side and rear extensions, with changes to balconies, windows, materials, access and the patio.

“Description of Proposed Development 3.1 This application seeks the demolition of an existing garage and outbuilding, construction of two storey front and side extensions; single storey side and rear extensions; omission of rear balconies and replacement with rear Juliet balconies, internal alterations and alterations to fenestration; alterations to driveway; extension of rear patio area; alteration of external materials including render and cladding; alteration of front…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contains a detached two-storey house on a spacious plot, with a driveway, trees, rear garden and neighbouring detached homes.

“Relevant Planning History 1.1 W/1767/56/D17258 - Outline Application for 3 building plots – Refused. W/353/57/D26195 - Outline Application for 3 dwellings – Permitted. W/817/57/D36269 - Outline Application for 2 dwellings (In Detail 29/08/1957) – Permitted. 1.4 11/2498/FUL - Demolition of existing garage and erection of a two-storey side and rear extension and rear conservatory – Withdrawn.”

“The neighbour to the north is No.18a, a two storey detached dwelling, which benefits from extensions to the side and rear at both ground and first floor level. This neighbouring dwelling is situated on a corner plot with Millthorne Close and has a deeper front and rear building line than the application dwelling and is angled towards the shared boundary. The neighbour to the northeast is No.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A neighbouring resident spoke against the application, followed by a parish councillor speaking for Croxley Green Parish Council.

What members discussed

Members considered the amended design, the gap to the boundary, the 45-degree assessment, affected windows and the effect on neighbouring living conditions.

“In response to points raised by speakers, the Planning Officer reported that whilst concerns had been raised at the pre-application stage with regards to depth, height and spacing to the boundary, it was the view of officers that these concerns had been addressed through the amended plans received during the course of the application.”

“Whilst the proposal would inevitably introduce some additional built form into the outlook from this window, having regard to the separation distance set down from the ridge and the overall scale and design of the extension, officers did not consider that the visual impact would be so significant as to result to unacceptable harm to the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The motion to grant permission subject to conditions was carried with four votes in favour, none against and three abstentions.

“Councillor Whately-Smith moved, and Councillor Gazzard seconded, that planning permission be granted subject to conditions. On being put to the vote this was carried, the voting being 4 in favour, 0 against, 3 abstentions.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions.

“That planning permission be granted subject to conditions.”

Minutes