House extensions and garden annexe at 120 Longhill Road, Brighton

“The existing modest bungalow on the site is set behind its immediate neighbours, on higher ground, and is positioned towards the southeastern side boundary. As a result, the front wall of the existing bungalow approximately aligns with the rear wall of the neighbouring property at no. 118 Longhill Road. The site also includes a single-storey detached garage building to the rear, accessed via a driveway that also serves nos.”

“The area is primarily residential in character, with the northeastern side of Longhill Road comprising detached dwellings of one- and two-storeys, in diverse architectural styles, arranged on a varied building line. There are several cases of infill/backland residential development.”

“BH2025/00463 - Proposed vehicle crossover and new access steps, incorporating EV charger, boundary treatments and associated works. Approved 17/04/2025”

“PRE2025/00048 - Proposed airspace development, complete with two storey side extensions, garden outbuilding, installation of solar panels and air source heat pump, and all associated works.”

“Design and Appearance: 9.4. The proposals comprise the remodelling of the existing bungalow, with two- storey front and side extensions and the formation of an L-shaped additional storey with a pitched roof. There would be gable ends formed to the front (south) and northwestern (side) elevations. The part of the building closest to the southeastern side boundary would be retained at the existing footprint and single-storey roof height.”

“As amended, the proposals would result in a significant increase in the footprint, height and massing of the building. However, the proposed extensions to the south- and northwest would leave suitable visual spacing to the neighbouring properties and site frontage to avoid appearing overly cramped within the plot.”

“Sustainable Transport: No comment received…”

“Fourteen (14) letters of objection have been received from individuals and organisations, summarised as follows: • Overdevelopment, poor design, too close to boundaries • Harm to neighbouring amenity due to noise, overshadowing, loss of privacy, loss of outlook • Loss of property value • Proposed annexe is another dwelling, could be used for holiday lets • Inaccuracies on plans, disputed site boundaries/land ownership • The amended plans do not go far enough to address…”

“Two (2) letters of support have been received from individuals and organisations, summarised as follows: • Current building is of poor quality and in disrepair • Good design, considerate of impacts on neighbours • The annexe should be subject to conditions to ensure ancillary use…”

“This application was not called for discussion. The officer recommendation was therefore taken as having been agreed unanimously.”