Single-storey home extensions at 20 Lancaster Drive, Poole

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing existing structures and building side and rear extensions, a porch and garage, with driveway, parking and garden changes.

“Demolition of existing structures, construction of side and rear, single storey extensions, within these to include the construction of a porch and garage. Widening of existing driveway and enlargement of parking area. Landscaping alterations to the rear garden. Removal of existing chimney.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contains a detached bungalow on rising land, enclosed by trees and hedges, with a partly hardstanding driveway and two parking spaces.

“The application site is situated north of Lancaster Drive and is occupied by a detached bungalow. The existing dwelling is finished in brick and it has a hipped roof. The site is enclosed by trees and hedging to the front and rear boundaries. The land rises steeply towards the rear of the plot. There is a driveway, partly of hardstanding, with parking space for 2 vehicles.”

Officer report

Planning history and constraints

No relevant planning history was identified; the site is within a tree protection area, has surface-water flood risk and may contain bats.

“The site lies within a TPO area • The site is at risk of surface water flooding • There may be bats on site due to the surrounding vegetation…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the scheme would harm the dwelling and streetscene, oppress a neighbour and fail to address biodiversity concerns.

“Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 states that planning applications must be determined in accordance with the development plan for an area, except where material considerations indicate otherwise. The development plan in this case comprises the Poole Local Plan (2018). The proposed scheme does not accord with the Development Plan as a whole.”

“The proposed development by reason of its bulk, massing, design, roof forms, materials and fenestration detailing, would result in an incongruous and visually dominant form of development that fails to relate appropriately to the character and appearance of the existing dwelling. The development would appear unduly prominent and jarring in views from the surrounding streetscene of Lancaster Close and Lancaster Drive, causing harm to visual amenity.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways and arboricultural officers raised no objections subject to conditions, while the ecology officer objected and local groups made no comments.

“BCP Highways Authority – No objection to the proposal subject to conditions BCP Arboricultural Officer - No objection to the proposal subject to conditions BCP Ecology Officer – Objects to the proposal Broadstone Neighbourhood Forum – No comments received Broadstone Town Council- No comments received…”

Officer report

What residents said

Site notices were posted, but no public representations were received and no objectors were registered for the meeting.

“Site notices were posted outside the site on 26 June 2026 with an expiry date for consultation of 17 July 2026. No representations have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke in support, a ward councillor attended, and no objectors were registered.

What members considered

Members concluded that the design was in keeping, would not harm the neighbour and faced no neighbour objections.

“Design in keeping with PP27 No overbearing or harmful impacts to neighbour No objections from neighbours…”

Minutes