House alterations at 18 Grove Road, Isleworth

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective approval for side openings, rear and roof changes, front landscaping and modifications to existing extensions.

“Alejandra Nino e-mail: Alejandra.Nino@Hounslow.gov.uk References: P/2026/0298 Address: Grove Road, TW7 4JH Ward: Osterley & Spring Grove Proposal: Retrospective application for the installation of a new window and side access door to the side elevation. Alterations to the rear extension, including the reduction of the existing opening and the omission of the previously approved flat‑roof skylights. Removal of the rear balcony and its replacement with a new window.”

“This application is presented to Planning Committee following a call in from Councillor Louki 1.0 SUMMARY 1.1 The proposal being considered under this application is a retrospective application for the installation of an obscured window and side access door to the side elevation, which would serve a utility room.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contains a two-storey semi-detached dwelling under construction in the Spring Grove Conservation Area.

“The application site contains a two-storey, semi-detached dwelling on the north side of Grove Road. The property features a pebble-dash finish with hanging tiles to a front catslide roof, a hipped main roof, and a front gable positioned above a two-storey front section. The gable incorporates mock Tudor detailing and a tiled roof. The property has a front canopy below the catslide and a single-storey front bay window.”

“Grove Road, a two-storey end-of-terrace dwelling with side-facing windows serving non-habitable rooms and no relevant extensions. To the north are Nos. 32 and 34 Naseby Close, two detached two-storey dwellings located more than 20 metres from the rear elevation of the application site. The application site is located within the Spring Grove Conservation Area.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions and enforcement

Earlier permissions included extensions and a replacement house, while enforcement proceedings followed demolition of the property’s rear.

“P/2020/3428 00531/18/P3 Demolition of existing garage and erection of a two storey side extension, part two storey rear extension and erection of single storey rear extensions, conversion of the loft space to a habitable room incorporating the installation of two roof windows to the house and construction of a single storey detached outbuilding in the rear end of the garden for use as an office and gym with associated sauna and steam room to the existing house.”

“Conservation Area Tree Work Approved: 13/10/2005 3.11 Relevant Enforcement records: BWR/2022/00045 Appeal A Ref: APP/F5540/C/23/3 325559 Appeal B Ref: APP/F5540/C/23/3 325560 Demolition of the entire rear of property leaving only the front wall Enforcement notice served: 26/05/2023 Appeal decision – Enforcement notice varied and upheld: 28/02/2025 An enforcement notice was issued in respect of a breach of planning control within the last four years.”

Officer report

The officer recommendation

Officers considered the proposal acceptable because it would protect neighbours’ living conditions and preserve the property and conservation area’s character.

“Furthermore, the proposed alteration would be only marginally visible within the street scene and is considered to integrate appropriately with the surrounding area, without resulting in harm to the character or appearance of the Spring Grove Conservation Area. The relocation of the rear rooflight and the installation of a sun tunnel would take place on the rear roof plane and would not be visible from the street scene.”

“Finally, the erection of a low-height fence within the front garden, defining the boundary with the adjoining semi-detached property, would help to preserve the original character of the street. The proposed use of timber is considered appropriate and in keeping with the surrounding context.”

Officer report

Objections and consultation

Seventeen objections from eight addresses raised concerns about retrospective changes, the side door, privacy, noise, roof form and enforcement.

“Materials • Driveway: permeable Drivesett Tegula • Pedestrian pathway: terracotta tiles • Fence: timber. Net increase in floor area: 0Sq M 5.0 CONSULTATIONS 5.1 7 neighbouring residents were notified on 23/02/2026, a Site Notice was displayed on 11/03/2026, and a Press Notice was published on 27/02/2026.”

“Roof alterations: the height and form of the side extension roof would increase visual impact along the shared boundary and appear overbearing. Please see section 7.6, 7.15 and 7.16 Comparing the proposal with 14 Grove Road is inappropriate, as that property does not include a side door.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A neighbour spoke against the application, while the applicant’s architect explained the changes and asked members to approve them.

The committee debate

Members disagreed about whether the side door was a material change or normal household use, while considering its screening and likely disturbance.

“During the debate Cllr Tony Louki stated that the original permission did not include the side door opposite the neighbour’s house. The obscure glazing on the door was, he felt, irrelevant as the door would be open often. It was therefore a real material change concerning the adjoining property. The two semi-detached houses were featured in the Spring Grove Conservation Area book, which highlighted as a special them as a special pair.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

Members approved the application by nine votes to one, with one abstention, subject to planning conditions.

“For – Nine votes Against – One vote Abstentions – One vote.”

“Resolved – that planning application P/2026/0298, retrospective application for the installation of a new window and side access door to the side elevation. Alterations to the rear extension, including the reduction of the existing opening and the omission of the previously approved flat-roof skylights. Removal of the rear balcony and its replacement with a new window. Repositioning of the rear skylight and installation of a new sun tunnel to the rear roof slope.”

Minutes