House extensions and loft conversion at 75 Nightingale Road, Rickmansworth

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing existing extensions and a porch with larger side and rear extensions, a loft conversion, dormers, rooflights and internal alterations.

“Ridge detailing is proposed on the ridge of the proposed side extension and the proposed front and rear dormers. The proposal also includes the replacement of the existing windows with timber windows including Georgian bar fanlight detail. The existing porch would be removed and the glazing replaced with original stained-glass panels. All rooflights would be conservation style rooflights.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The site contains a detached house in the Upper Nightingale Road Conservation Area, with earlier permissions for a garage, PABX extension, garage conversion and study.

“Relevant Planning and Enforcement History 1.1 W/1066/68 – Double Garage – Permitted. W/137/68/D13142 - PABX Extension – Permitted and Implemented. W/638/72 - Convert existing garage into bedroom, bathroom. playroom into sitting room – Permitted. 1.4 8/63/79 – Study – Permitted and Implemented. Description of Application Site 2.1 The application site contains a two-storey detached dwelling on Nightingale Road, Rickmansworth.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local resident spoke against the application, a parish councillor spoke for the community council, and the applicant spoke in favour.

What members debated

Members discussed rooflights, dormers, the conservation area, neighbouring amenity and separation, with officers suggesting discussions to improve the proposal.

“A committee member drew attention to the concerns of the Conservation Officer regarding the number of proposed rooflights and the scale of the dormers in the roof and questioned whether potential mitigations had been explored. In respect of the rooflights, Planning Officers responded that there were other examples of rooflights within the Conservation Area, and those proposed within the application would be of a heritage style design.”

“Several committee members shared the view that the removal of the garage extension would represent a benefit and an enhancement to the Conservation Area, whilst supporting the Conservation Officer’s concerns about the rooflights and dormer windows and the concerns relating to neighbouring amenity.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee deferred the application unanimously for further discussions with the applicant, including whether the separation could meet the council’s guidance.

“Councillor Mitchell moved, and Councillor Cox seconded, that the application be deferred to allow for further discussions with the applicant. On being put to the vote this was carried unanimously.”

Minutes