House extensions and alterations at 11 Pembroke Road, Moor Park, Northwood

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective permission for extensive side and rear extensions, dormers, a chimney, patio, fenestration changes and a relocated entrance.

“26/0041/RSP - Part Retrospective: Demolition of existing garage, workshop and front canopy; construction of part single, part two-storey rear extensions; two-storey side extensions; front and rear dormers; installation of chimney; raised rear patio; alterations to fenestration including installation of roof lights; relocation of front entrance at 11 PEMBROKE ROAD, MOOR PARK, NORTHWOOD, HERTFORDSHIRE, HA6 2HP”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The dwelling is a pre-1958 house in the Moor Park Conservation Area, with a carriage driveway, rear garden and two permitted outbuildings.

“The development would be contrary to Policies CP1 and CP12 of the Core Strategy (2011), Policies DM1, DM3 and Appendix 2 of the Development Management Policies LDD (2013), the Moor Park Conservation Area Appraisal (2006) and the NPPF (2023).”

“During the most recent officer site visit it was noted that the planning permission permitted via 25/0186/FUL and the scheme allowed at appeal via LPA planning ref 24/1026/FUL were being implemented on site which cumulatively permitted extensions to the side and rear of the dwelling at both ground and first floor level including a loft conversion with front and rear dormer windows, relocation of the dwellings front entrance and a raised rear patio.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the development would preserve the conservation area, avoid unacceptable neighbour impacts and remain consistent with earlier approvals.

“In summary, subject to conditions the proposed development would not result in any adverse harm to the character or appearance of the host dwelling or streetscene and would preserve the character of the Conservation Area. The development would be acceptable in accordance with Policies CP1 and CP12 of the Core Strategy (2011), Policies DM1, DM3 and Appendix 2 of the Development Management Policies LDD (2013), Policy BW DE1 of…”

“Policy CP12 of the Core Strategy states that development should ‘protect residential amenities by taking into account the need for adequate levels of disposition of privacy, prospect, amenity and garden space’.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The community council and Moor Park 1958 objected over bulk, boundary spacing and plot coverage, while the Conservation Officer raised no objection.

“Batchworth Community Council – [Second Comment 10 February] The cumulative impact of the two-story side extension which is now closer to the boundaries of numbers 9 and 11 would subsume the form of the original dwelling, unacceptably eroding the character and appearance of the original dwelling and is detrimental to the character of the conservation area.”

“Moor Park 1958 Limited – The Directors of Moor Park (1958) Limited strongly object to the proposal as it now stands. You will be aware we made a limited comments with respect to Application 24/1025/FUL and the subsequent applications for Variation of Condition relating to this, and also with respect to Application 24/1026/FUL, when it was submitted we noted that this constituted a two storey side extension, but that it contained the benefit of the flank wall of the…”

Officer report

Neighbour concerns

One objection raised overdevelopment, boundary proximity, privacy, loss of light, rooflight bulk and privacy effects from garden outbuildings.

“Number consulted: No of responses received: 1 [1 Objection Received] 4.2.2 Site Notice Posted: 24.01.2026, Expired: 14.02.2026 4.2.3 Press Notice Published: 30.01.2026, Expired: 20.02.2026 4.2.4 Summary of Responses:”

“Overdevelopment and proximity to the boundary – side extension too close to the boundary. • Loss of privacy and overlooking – side facing windows should be obscure glazed and non-opening. • Loss of light – height of the single storey rear extension significantly higher than expected and causing noticeable loss of light to house and garden. • Rooflight design – lantern would add unnecessary height and bulk worsening impacts on neighbouring amenity.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A representative of Moor Park 1958 spoke against, the applicant spoke in favour and a parish councillor spoke on the application.

What members discussed

Members considered plot coverage, protection of the gardens, further permitted development rights and overlooking from the raised patio.

“In relation to plot coverage, the Planning Officer acknowledged that this would exceed the Moor Park Conservation Area Appraisal guidance; however, assessment of the application required consideration of the site situation alongside the policies. The approved position already allowed a development which exceeded the plot coverage guidance, and the small additional increase arising from this application was predominantly to the rear.”

“A Committee Member suggested that in addition to Class E, there may be other classes of permitted development rights which should be removed in order to prevent further development at the site. The Planning Officer responded that the applicant had already utilised most rights under class A, and so removal of this class of permitted development rights was not considered to be reasonable or necessary.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The motion to grant permission subject to conditions passed with seven votes for, none against and two abstentions.

“Councillor Cooper moved, and Councillor Whately-Smith seconded, that part-retrospective planning permission be granted subject to conditions.”

“On being put to the vote this was carried, the voting being 7 for, 0 against, 2 abstentions.”

Minutes

The decision and reasons

Part-retrospective permission was granted subject to conditions, including restrictions on outbuildings, side openings and privacy screens for the patio.

“That part-retrospective planning permission be granted subject to conditions.”

Minutes

Main conditions

Conditions controlled approved plans and materials, obscure glazing, additional openings, use of the flat roof, further outbuildings and patio privacy screens.

“C2 The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: 6043 011 (Pre Existing Floor Plans), 6043 020 (Pre Existing Elevations), 6043 310 A (Pre Existing & Proposed Site Plan), 6043 311 REV B (Proposed Floor Plans), 6043 310 (Pre Existing and Proposed Block Plan), 6043 312 REV F (Amended Proposed Elevations), TRDC01 (Location Plan)”

“C8 Prior to the first use of the raised patio hereby permitted, 1.8m high (from patio floor level) privacy screens shall be erected to both sides of the patio for its full depth of 5m and shall be permanently maintained as such thereafter.”

Officer report