House extensions and loft conversion at Greenways, 14 Chatfield Crescent, Eastbourne

What was proposed

The application sought side and rear extensions, a front porch, roof alterations, loft conversion, garage removal and new vehicular gates.

“Report to: Planning Committee Date: August 2026 Application No: 260295 Location: Greenways, 14 Chatfield Crescent, Eastbourne Proposal: Erection of single-storey side extensions to the north-west and south-east elevations, a part single/part two-storey rear extension, a front porch, and conversion of the existing loft.”

“Executive Summary 1.1 This householder application is presented to Planning Committee following a request for the application to be called in by Councillor Belsey. The proposal includes a two-storey rear extension which would maintain the existing ridge height of the dwelling, together with associated roof alterations, rooflights, demolition of existing attached garage, erection of single storey side extensions, amendments to fenestration and installation of vehicular…”

Officer report

The site

The property is a detached bungalow on a generous residential plot with parking, gardens and neighbouring homes on three sides.

“The application site comprises a detached bungalow positioned on the western side of Chatfield Crescent within an established residential area of Eastbourne. The property occupies a relatively generous plot and is set back from the highway behind a front garden and driveway providing off-street parking. The dwelling is characterised by a traditional pitched roof form and is finished in a mix of brick and rendered materials.”

Officer report

Earlier planning matters

Earlier matters included pre-application advice and a lawful development certificate for a proposed detached garage, which was outside this application.

“Relevant Planning History: 5.1 250736: Pre-application planning advice: Demolition of existing garage to create driveway to new double or triple garage with pitched roof at rear of property. Erection of rear extension to rear and sides to include removal of conservatory. Loft conversion and installation of balcony. Installation of solar panels to roof of main dwelling and possibly garage. Creation of new rear patio and installation of possible small swimming pool.”

“260269: Lawful development certificate for proposed detached garage LD Certificate (Proposed) Issued 18/06/2026.”

Officer report

Officers’ assessment

Officers recommended approval because the design, residential amenity and parking impacts were considered acceptable, with matching materials and no harmful overlooking.

“The principle of extending the bungalow is considered acceptable in this established residential location. Furthermore, the scope of permitted development rights available to dwellinghouses is a material consideration and demonstrates that significant domestic extensions can often be accommodated without resulting in unacceptable planning harm.”

“In addition to the rear extension, the proposal includes the removal of the existing attached garage, the erection of a new entrance porch and single- storey side extensions. These elements would be visible from the public realm; however, they are modest in scale, well related to the host dwelling and designed using materials that match the existing property.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A neighbour spoke against the application, a speech was read in support, and the ward councillor spoke in opposition.

The committee’s debate

Members proposed replacing the first-floor rear Juliet balcony and full-height doors with a non-full-height window.

“Councillor Lamb put forward a proposal to delegate the Head of Development Management to negotiate the omission of the Juliet balcony with the applicant and for it to be replaced with a standard window. This was seconded by Councillor Dehdashty and was put to a vote and carried.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee unanimously agreed to delegate negotiations over the balcony and window changes.

“RESOLVED: (unanimously) To delegate authority to the Head of Development Management to negotiate an amendment to the application with the applicant to omit the proposed first floor rear Juliet balcony and full height doors and to replace it with a non-full height window; and on the conclusion of the above, grant planning permission subject to the conditions in the Officer’s report.”

Minutes