Chalet bungalow extension at 3 The Avenue, Gurnard, Cowes

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the garage, extending and altering the house, adding dormers, changing materials and widening the access for parking.

“Demolition of garage; Proposed two storey side extension; roof alterations to include front and rear dormers to create first floor accommodation/chalet bungalow, widening of existing vehicular access including formation of additional parking area; changes to fenestration and external materials/finishes (Revised plans showing hard surfacing details) (Revised plans moving side elevation)”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a detached bungalow on a residential street, with gardens and parking, between two detached period houses on relatively large plots.

“The Avenue is a residential street, which slopes in a south westerly direction, with predominantly two storey properties at the upper end, with the exception of the application site, transitioning to bungalows on the southern side, down the hill towards Tilbury Road. The application site is a residential property located on the south-eastern side of The Avenue.”

“There is a small front and rear garden and parking in front of the garage. The dwelling sits within a relatively small plot between two good-sized and detached period houses, both of which sit within reasonably good-sized plots.”

Officer report

Application history

The proposal was amended to move the extension away from the south-western boundary, and the property has no planning history.

“The existing access would be widened and an additional parking area formed to the front of the dwelling. The application has been amended during the determination period, to bring the proposed extension away from the south-western neighbouring boundary.”

“There is no planning history relating to this property.”

Officer report

The main planning issues

Officers considered the design would improve the street scene, while light loss to a neighbouring kitchen would be limited and highway impacts acceptable.

“The existing bungalow is considered by officers to be of limited architectural merit. The proposed alterations include the demolition of the existing garage to the side of the dwelling and an extension, which would increase the footprint of the bungalow, extending it into the resultant space created following the demolition. The existing hipped roof would be opened out into a gable.”

“Whilst the proposed dwelling would appear larger in both footprint and height, with the extended footprint almost using the whole width of the plot, officers consider that the resulting chalet bungalow would not appear cramped or over developed. There are other instances within the street scene where dwellings occupy the full width of the plot sitting alongside houses and bungalows occupying more spacious settings.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

The highway authority raised no objection subject to a drainage condition, the parish council supported the application, and five letters objected.

“Island Roads on behalf of the Highway Authority have raised no objection, subject to a condition ensuring that the proposed parking area is laid and drained in accordance with the approved drawings.”

“Gurnard Parish Council have commented in support of the application.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The public participants included two objectors and the agent; an additional letter supported the application and officers addressed an omitted assessment.

Committee discussion

Members questioned the proposal’s size and light loss, and were advised that some loss was expected but not considered harmful.

“Comment: The Committee questioned the changes in the size of the proposal and the impact on loss of light to neighbouring properties and were advised that an assessment had been submitted by the neighbouring property officers acknowledged that there would be some loss of light, however it was not considered harmful.”

“It was acknowledged that this proposal would create a family sized home and have a positive impact on the street scene. It was considered by the Committee that there was not sufficient evidence that loss of light would be harmful.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee resolved to approve the application and agreed with the recommendation’s stated reasons.

“Decision: The Committee had taken into consideration and agreed with the reasons for the recommendation as set out under the paragraph entitled Justification for Recommendation of the report and:”

Minutes

The permission conditions

The conditions require timely commencement, compliance with approved plans, properly drained parking and no unauthorised windows or dormers in the south-west elevation.

“The parking area hereby permitted shall not be brought into use until it has been drained and surfaced in accordance with drawing number 25009.3 Rev 02.”

“Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (or any Order revoking and re- enacting that Order, with or without modification), no windows/dormer windows (other than those expressly authorised by this permission) shall be constructed in the south-west elevation of the resulting dwelling hereby permitted.”

Officer report