Single-storey home extensions at 3 Church Road, Little Gaddesden, Berkhamsted

What was proposed

The application sought single-storey front and rear extensions, two rear rooflights and partial demolition of the existing rear extension.

“The application seeks consent for the erection of single storey front and rear extensions, along with two rear roof lights and part demolition of existing rear extension.”

“The proposed single storey front extension would replace the existing porch and would measure approximately 2m deep and be full width (approximately 6m). The proposed rear extension would infill the existing rear extension on the southwest elevation, which protrudes approximately 5m in depth from the original dwelling, meaning it would now be full width, similar of that of the neighbouring dwelling, No 4.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a two-storey semi-detached home in a conservation area, the Chilterns National Landscape and the Rural Area, opposite a bowls club and recreation ground.

“The application site comprises a two-storey semi-detached dwelling located on Church Road in Little Gaddesden Conservation Area. The site is also situated within the Chilterns National Landscape (formerly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)) and the Rural Area. Opposite the site to the southeast is Little Gaddesden Bowls Club and Recreation Ground.”

“The dwellings along this section of Church Road are set back from the highway with long front driveways. All of the dwellings in this row possess single storey front porches, however they vary in their design, size and character. The existing porch at No.3 (approximately 1m deep and 3m wide) has a hipped roof and is of poor materials which do not match the host dwelling.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications concerned an existing garden office or workshop, replacement of an asbestos garage and tree works.

“21/00968/LDE - Permission sought for existing garden office/workshop which has been built for about 6 years. GRA - 5th May 2021”

“21/01129/LDP - Replace existing asbestos garage with new structure on same foot-print. New doors and windows. GRA - 17th May 2021”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval, finding the development modest, policy-compliant and acceptable in design, heritage, landscape, neighbour amenity and parking terms.

“The proposed extensions are of a modest, single-storey scale and are considered to be appropriate in terms of design, massing and materials, thereby complying with Policies CS11 and CS12 of the Core Strategy, Saved Policy 120 and Appendix 7 of the Local Plan, and the NPPF (2024).”

“The proposal would also conserve the landscape and scenic beauty of the Chilterns National Landscape in accordance with Policy CS24 and the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act 2023, given its limited scale and lack of wider visual impact.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The assessment considered the development principle, design and conservation area, residential amenity, highway safety and parking.

“The principle of development; The quality of design and impact on visual amenity and the Conservation Area; The impact on residential amenity; and The impact on highway safety and car parking.”

“Policy CS7 of the Core Strategy (2013) states that small scale development will be permitted in the Rural Area, including limited extensions to existing buildings and dwellings. The proposal is considered small-scale and limited in nature due to its single-storey and modest scale and massing. As such, the principle of development is acceptable, subject to further assessment of the proposal against local and national planning policies.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council objected to the full-width porch, neighbour light, plan discrepancies and effects on the conservation area and landscape.

“A conservation area is "an area of special architectural or historical interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance". An appraisal for the Little Gaddesden Conservation Area was published in 2022.”

“The application for a single story extension full width of the of the front elevation is not in keeping with its neighbours. LGPC would like to see a new porch that better reflects the design and style of its neighbours and the character of the area. The full width front extension would also affect light to its neighbouring semi-detached property.”

Officer report

Neighbour objections

Four neighbours objected over light, heritage, landscape, plan discrepancies, local appearance, porch design and the existing hedge.

“Impact on residential amenity – loss of light Impact on character of Conservation Area and Chilterns National Landscape Discrepancies in the submitted plans Impact on character and appearance of the local area Scale, design and appearance of front porch Impact on the existing hedge…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A parish councillor and a ward councillor spoke against the application, while one councillor left the committee and did not vote.

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions covering the commencement period, approved plans and external materials.

“That planning permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions below.”

“Condition(s) and Reason(s): The development hereby permitted shall begin before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission. Reason: To comply with the requirements of Section 91 (1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, as amended by Section 51 (1) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. 2.”

Minutes