Single-storey home extension at 5 Gregory Close, North Wootton, King's Lynn

What was proposed

The application sought demolition of the detached garage, a single-storey side and rear extension, a porch and three front parking bays.

“Full application is sought for the demolition of the existing detached single garage and the erection of a single storey side and rear extension and alterations to the existing house to create additional living accommodation.”

“The site is a single storey semi-detached reddish brown bricked dwelling with a brown pantiled roof, situated on the eastern edge of Gregory Close, beyond the cul-de-sac’s turning head. The property is accessed across a private driveway that is shared with number 6 Gregory Close, the other pair to the application property. The property currently has a detached garage close to its eastern boundary and a single storey rear conservatory.”

Officer report

Officers’ assessment

Officers considered the proposal acceptable in principle, design, neighbour amenity, highway safety and climate-change terms, and recommended approval.

“In conclusion, having considered carefully the impact on adjoining occupiers and fully acknowledging that the proposed extension would change the relationship of 5 Gregory Close to neighbouring properties, it is concluded that there would not be sufficient grounds to refuse the application on amenity grounds. Therefore, the proposal is considered to comply with Policy LP21 of the Local Plan and with Policy 3 of the Neighbourhood Plan.”

“The proposed development is for a relatively large extension in comparison to the existing property. However, the existing garden is also generously sized as detailed above. The impact of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area and upon the amenities of adjoining occupiers has been carefully considered. It is concluded that, overall, the proposal is acceptable in accordance with relevant Policies of the Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plan.”

Officer report

Consultation and representations

The parish council was neutral; five original and seven further objections opposed the scheme, while two letters supported it.

“The Parish Council further acknowledges that the application has been called in by Councillor Ring and Councillor Coates, and that the views of parishioners have been listened to and noted.”

“FIVE letters of OBJECTION have been received in response to the application as originally submitted and a further SEVEN letters have been received following the amended plans raising the same concerns. Objections are on the following grounds:”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector addressed the committee, followed by Councillors Ring and Coates, who outlined their concerns.

The committee’s debate

Members discussed permitted development rights and possible conditions before debating the extension’s effect on local character and neighbouring amenity.

“Officers clarified the differences between attached and detached permitted development rights, and the committee discussed adding conditions to remove permitted development rights and require obscure glazing for the WC window if approved.”

“After extensive debate on the impact of the extension on local character and amenity, Councillor Storey proposed that the application should be refused on the grounds that of scale and massing and the impact on the neighbours and form and character of the area and cited policies LP18, LP21, and Policy 3 of the North Wootton Neighbourhood Plan. This was seconded by Councillor Lintern.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee refused the application, finding its scale and massing out of character and harmful to adjoining occupiers’ amenities.

“RESOLVED: That the application be refused, contrary to recommendation, for the following reason:”

“The development by reason of its scale and massing would be out of character with the locality and would have an adverse impact upon the amenities of adjoining occupier’s contrary to Policies LP18 and LP21 of the Local Plan and with Policy 3 of the Neighbourhood Plan.”

Minutes