Garage conversion and extension at 35 Gairloch Close, Warrington

What was proposed

The application proposed extending and converting the detached garage to provide two bedrooms with bathrooms, alongside driveway alterations.

“Description of Development: Proposed extension and conversion of garage and alterations to existing driveway…”

“The proposal is for a conversion and front extension to the existing detached garage to form two bedrooms with bathrooms. The extension will come out 1.561m from the garage’s front elevation.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The bungalow sits at the head of a residential cul-de-sac, beside homes, public open space and a footpath, with part of the garden in flood zone 2.

“The proposal is a detached bungalow on a residential cul de sac in the Fearnhead area of Warrington. The bungalow is at the head of the cul de sac and faces onto the public footpath in front of the site.”

“The site is in a residential area, with dwellings to the east, south and west of the dwelling. To the north of the dwelling is an area of public open space and a footpath which links Gairloch Close to Enfield Park Road.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal was acceptable in principle and would have acceptable effects on neighbouring amenity, the street scene and highways.

“Number of representations received: Reason for Referral: Ward Councillor objection Statutory expiry date: 26 th May 2026 Recommendation: Grant subject to conditions with delegated authority given to the Development Manager to make non-material changes to planning conditions and reasons as may be necessary prior to the issue of the decision.”

“The principle of the development is acceptable. • The impact on the amenity of adjacent occupiers is acceptable. • The scheme has an acceptable impact on the street scene and the character of the area. • The impact on the adjacent highway network is acceptable.”

Officer report

Officers’ assessment

The converted garage would remain ancillary to the dwelling, provide acceptable bedroom space, fit the area and retain sufficient parking without unacceptable highway effects.

“The introduction of ancillary accommodation in the existing garage would not be development and not require planning permission. Based on the floorplans submitted these rooms do not seem capable of forming separate, independent residential dwellings and the proposal would be ancillary to the main dwelling. This is acceptable in an established residential area.”

“The two new bedrooms in the converted garage comply with nationally described space standards for single bedrooms, based on the floorspace and width of the rooms. Windows are proposed for each bedroom in the garage’s rear elevation. This ensures adequate amenity levels for future occupiers.”

Officer report

Objections raised

Residents objected over the use, privacy, design, carers’ activity, parking, pedestrian safety, drainage, consultation and the condition of a wall.

“Privacy and overlooking concerns from the proposal. • Overbearing design. • Increased coming and goings from carers at all times of days. • Privacy screening measures would decrease daylight to neighbours.”

“Increased cars could lead to more on-street parking. • Pedestrian safety issues caused by increased vehicle movements. • Increased parking at the property could hinder bin collections. • Driveway not capable of accommodating four cars.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Representations were heard against the application.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application with conditions in line with the recommendation, amending condition 4 to restrict the use to C3(b).

“The application was approved with conditions as per officer recommendations, with an amendment to condition 4 to restrict to C3(b)”

Minutes