Home extensions at Timbers, Church Road, Windlesham

What was proposed

The application sought side and rear extensions after demolishing the existing conservatory, including changed floors, windows and a third bedroom.

“This application seeks full planning permission for the erection of a part first floor, part two storey side extension and single storey rear extension with associated works following the demolition of the existing conservatory.”

“Fenestration alterations associated with the development would be undertaken, all at ground floor level and first floor level within the front, side and rear elevations. The proposal would result in reconfigured floors with a kitchen/diner to the rear on the ground floor and a third bedroom on the first floor.”

Officer report

The site

The semi-detached home lies in the Green Belt and Windlesham Church Road Conservation Area, among varied houses without one prevailing architectural style.

“The application site lies within the Green Belt and is also within the Windlesham Church Road Conservation Area. The site lies to the eastern side of Church Road and the application property forms one half of a semi-detached. The street scene and character of the area is defined by a mix of dwelling houses with no distinct architectural styles prevailing.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

A conservatory and a rear extension with porch were approved, while a similar extension permission was granted in 2019 but not implemented.

“Application for lawful development certificate for the proposed erection of single storey rear extension and a porch – Granted 10/06/19”

“19/0279 Erection of a part first floor, part two storey side extension and single storey rear extension with associated works following demolition of existing conservatory.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval, finding no disproportionate Green Belt addition and no harmful effect on the dwelling, conservation area or neighbouring homes.

“The development would not result in a disproportionate addition over and above the size of the original building and would not be inappropriate development in the Green Belt. It would not have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the host dwelling or the wider area including the conservation area, nor on the amenities of neighbouring properties.”

“The application is therefore recommended for approval subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council objected, while the arboricultural and heritage officers raised no objection subject to materials, joinery and related conditions.

“Officer comments: The proposal would not constitute inappropriate development in the Green Belt. The Heritage Officer has reviewed the proposal and raises no objection, subject to a condition securing details of materials and joinery.”

“Heritage Officer No harm to the conservation area. No other heritage assets designated or non-designated, which would be affected by the scheme. No objection subject to conditions for materials and joinery details.”

Officer report

Residents’ objections

Eleven objections raised concerns about Green Belt size, appearance, heritage, overlooking, loss of light, overshadowing and construction disruption.

“In terms of impact on the green belt the proposal assesses the original floor space and proposed including existing built form. It is considered that the proposal would not result in disproportionate additions when assessed against paragraph 155 of the NPPF.”

“Extensions will be clearly seen in Church Road and result in a change to the geography and appearance due to the size of the extension.”

Officer report

Public speakers

A speaker spoke against the application and the agent spoke in favour under the public speaking scheme.

Members’ concerns

Some members questioned whether the proposal would overbear the neighbouring property, create an incongruous mass, use accurate measurements and comply with the neighbourhood plan.

“Some Councillors had reservations in respect of potential overbearing of the proposal on the adjacent property, The Wedge, and the mass and incongruous, larger built form which would result from the proposal. Concerns were also raised on the accuracy of measurements submitted by the applicant and the schemes conformity with policies in the Windlesham Neighbourhood Plan.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The officer recommendation was proposed, seconded and carried, with six councillors voting for and five against and no abstentions.

“The Officer recommendation to approve the application was proposed by Councillor Jonathan Quin and seconded by Councillor Julie Hoad, and put to the vote and carried.”

“NOTE 2 In accordance with Part 4, Section D, Paragraph 18 of the Constitution, the voting for the officer’s recommendation to grant the application, subject to conditions was as follows:”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application subject to the officer report and planning updates, including an added privacy condition for windows facing the neighbour.

“An additional condition is recommended to protect the privacy of the neighbour at The Wedge: Condition 5 - Before first occupation of the development hereby approved the first- floor window(s) in the southern elevation facing The Wedge shall be completed in obscure glazing and any opening shall be at high level only (greater than 1.7m above finished floor level) and retained as such at all times.”

“RESOLVED that application 26/0052/FFU be approved subject to the conditions contained in the Officer Report and Planning Updates.”

Minutes