Raised garden decking at 7 Windsor Road, Lowestoft

What was proposed

The application proposed a 370mm-high rear decking area with two steps, handrails and level access to the garden.

“The application is seeking planning permission for the installation of a raised decking area to the rear of 7 Windsor Road in Lowestoft.”

“The application is seeking to install an area of raised decking to the rear of the property. The proposed decking will stand at 370mm in height and will cover an area of approximately 5.221 metres by 2.545 metres to the side and rear of the dwelling and will include the installation of two steps down to ground level with handrails at approximately 800mm high from the top of the decking.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The property is a two-storey mid-terrace house in the settlement boundary, within the conservation area and Flood Zone 2.

“The application site is 7 Windsor Road is a two-storey, mid-terrace property situated within the Lowestoft settlement boundary. The site is surrounded by residential neighbours to the north, east and west with commercial properties to the south of the dwelling.”

“The site lies within the South Lowestoft Conservation Area which describes Windsor Road as a consistent row of two storey houses, with predominantly brick facades with some painted render.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the design, neighbour impacts and flood-risk effects were considered acceptable and policy-compliant.

“The application site lies in Flood Zone 2 and is in an area of medium risk for flooding from rivers and sea and is supported by a site specific Flood Risk Assessment. The entire rear garden to the dwelling lies within Flood Zone 2 and it would not be possible for the proposal to be relocated to an area of lower flood risk. The proposed decking will be raised 370mm above ground floor levels, to stand level with the rear kitchen door.”

“On balance, it is considered that the proposed development is of an acceptable design that would not have an adverse impact on neighbouring amenity nor the surrounding character of the area. Sufficient regard has been given towards flood risk and it is not considered that the proposal would result in higher probability of flood risk elsewhere. The proposal is therefore considered to comply with the relevant planning policies, legislation and guidance listed above.”

Officer report

What people said

The town council recommended approval subject to heritage approval, and no third-party representations or consultee objections were received.

“No third party representations have been received.”

“The Planning Committee of Lowestoft Town Council considered this application at a meeting on 16 June 2026. It was agreed to recommend approval of the application subject to the application being approved by the Heritage and Conservation Officer.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Planning Officer presented the application and explained the site, existing access arrangement, screening, planting and handrails.

What members considered

Members were shown the existing and proposed plans, elevations and site photographs before the recommendation for approval was put forward.

“The Planning Officer presented the application, explaining that it related to a two- storey mid-terrace property. Photographs of the site were shown, including the existing ad hoc pallet arrangement used to provide disabled access and the current boundary screening. Members were advised that the proposal included additional planting to provide improved and greener screening.”

“The existing and proposed block plans and elevations were displayed. The Planning Officer explained that planning permission was required because the works could not be carried out under permitted development rights due to differences in floor levels inside and outside the property. The proposal also included the installation of external handrails.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Councillor Plummer proposed approval and Councillor Robinson seconded it.

“On the proposal of Councillor Plummer, seconded by Councillor Robinson it was…”

“RESOLVED that the application is approved, subject to the conditions below:”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved subject to conditions covering the time limit, approved plans and flood-resilience measures.

“The development hereby permitted shall be undertaken strictly in accordance with the Flood Resilience and Resistance Measures outlined in the Flood Risk Assessment submitted with this application (received 27/04/2026). The extension shall not be occupied until such measures have been completed and retained in this form thereafter.”

Minutes