House extension and access at 8 Rookery Lane, Wolverhampton

What was proposed

The application proposed raising the wall, changing the roof from a hip to a gable and creating a new vehicular access.

“Planning application no. 26/00544/FUL Site 8 Rookery Lane, Wolverhampton WV2 4PU Proposal Raising of wall height by 1100mm, forming gable end roof from hip roof and new vehicular access.”

“Summary recommendation 1.1 Grant subject to conditions. Application site 2.1 The site is a detached dwelling house in a residential area. The area is characterised by a mixture of house types and design, generally of brick or render with a pitched roof. Application details 3.1 This application seeks to amend a previously approved extension to the dwelling.”

Officer report

Earlier permission and works

The proposal amended a previously approved extension, while the report said development had started and the unfinished wall was unsightly.

“Render walls and gable roof forms are present within the locality, and the proposed extensions and the amended design would not appear incongruous or harmful to the street scene. Neighbouring amenity 8.4 The increase in wall height and proposed roof form would result in a greater scale of development than previously approved. This has raised concerns from occupiers of the adjoining property to the rear.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the amended design, neighbour relationship and new access were acceptable and no reason for refusal was identified.

“Conclusion 9.1 Development has clearly been commenced, and the unfinished blockwork wall is unsightly, but this is not relevant to the determination of the application. The only key relevant material considerations in this case are design and character, neighbour amenity and highway safety. It is the proposed extension as it would appear when it is finished that must be considered in the determination of the application.”

“The proposal accords with the development plan in relation to design quality, residential amenity and highway safety. There are no material considerations that would justify refusal. Detailed recommendation 10.1 Grant planning permission subject to the following conditions: • Development to be carried out in accordance with approved plans; • Materials to match existing dwelling; • Any side-facing windows to be fitted with obscure glazing and non-opening below 1.7m.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Head of City Planning outlined the report, followed by an opponent and the applicant’s supporter.

Members’ concerns

Members questioned neighbour consultation, the gable roof’s effect on the street and the reason for the additional vehicular access.

“During consideration of the application, the Committee raised concerns regarding the extent of the consultations undertaken with neighbouring properties; the potential impact of the proposed gable-end roof on the established character and appearance of the street when there are no other properties with a gable-end roof; and why further vehicular access was being required for the property.”

“The Head of City Planning responded to the concerns and stated the following: 1. The consultations had been carried out in accordance with national planning requirements and included all adjoining neighbours sharing a boundary with the site, together with neighbouring properties to the rear. 2. The proposed roof alteration would not represent an unusual feature within the wider area. The locality already contained a variety of architectural styles and designs.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Councillor Paul Sweet moved the report’s recommendations and Councillor Jacquline Sweetman seconded them.

“Councillor Paul Sweet moved the recommendations within the report and Councillor Jacquline Sweetman seconded the recommendations.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee granted permission subject to approved plans, matching materials and obscure, restricted side-facing windows.

“Resolved: That planning permission be granted for application 26/00544/FUL, subject to the following conditions: 1. Development to be carried out in accordance with approved plans. 2. Materials to match existing dwelling. 3. Any side-facing windows to be fitted with obscure glazing and non-opening below 1.7m.”

Minutes