Garage extension and solar panels at 38 Bedford Road, Moor Park, Northwood
Summary of planning committee decision
Decided by Three Rivers Planning Committee on 16 Jul 2026.
What was proposed
The application sought retrospective permission for a single-storey side garage extension and solar panels on its flat roof.
“Relevant Planning and Enforcement History 1.1 26/0027/COMP - Erection of unauthorised extension/outbuilding and gates. Pending consideration, subject to the outcome of this application. Extension requires planning permission.”
“This application seeks part retrospective planning permission for the construction of a single storey side extension to create a garage, and the installation of solar panels. The single storey extension has been built and has a width of 3.8m beyond the southern flank and a depth of 6.7m. It is sited 4.4m back from the most recessed front wall. It has a flat roof with parapet walls and a maximum height of 2.8m. The extension serves as a garage.”
Officer report
The site and surroundings
The site contains a two-storey detached house with a driveway and rear garden, lies in the Moor Park Conservation Area, and adjoins two detached homes.
“The neighbour at No.40 is a two storey detached dwelling with catslide roof features. This neighbour has a single storey rear projection. The neighbour at No.36a is a two storey detached dwelling which is angled towards the application site. The site falls within the Moor Park Conservation Area. Description of Proposed Development…”
Officer report
What members discussed
Members questioned the application, including the lawful gates, the 87.5% plot-width coverage and the gap between the extension and boundary.
“A Committee Member commented on the design of the existing gates, which were not considered to be aesthetically pleasing, although it was acknowledged that they did not form part of the application under consideration and were lawful.”
“A Committee Member highlighted that the addition of the garage would result in a plot width coverage 87.5%, as opposed to the 80% maximum set out in the Moor Park Conservation Area Appraisal. Additionally, the Moor Park Conservation Area Appraisal stipulated that there should be a 1.5m gap between the closest edge of the structure and the boundary, whereas in this application it was significantly less than that.”
Minutes
The committee vote
The motion to grant permission subject to conditions passed with six votes in favour, none against and one abstention.
“Councillor Whately-Smith moved, and Councillor Cooper seconded, that part-retrospective planning permission be granted subject to conditions. On being put to the vote this was carried, the voting being 6 in favour, 0 against, 1 abstention.”
Minutes
The decision
Part-retrospective planning permission was granted subject to conditions, including controls on the solar panels’ position and details.
“In this case, the applicant has confirmed that if permission is granted for the development to which this application relates the biodiversity gain condition would not apply because the application relates to householder development and the development is retrospective.”
“C2 The solar panels shall not be installed other than in accordance with the positioning and details shown on plan SHT No.2 amended 27.04.2026.”
Officer report
Sources
- Three Rivers Planning Committee minutes, 16 July 2026
- Agenda and papers (council website)
Source: Plota analysis of Three Rivers's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.
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See the API →At the meeting
- Committee
- Three Rivers Planning Committee
- Council
- Three Rivers
- Date
- Thursday 16 July 2026
- Recommendation
- Officers recommended approval
- Committee decided
- Approved
- Vote
- 6 for, 0 against, 1 abstained
- Minutes
- The council's minutes
- Meeting
- Agenda and papers (council website)
- Application
- View application →
- All decisions
- Three Rivers committee decisions →
Source: Plota analysis of the minutes.
This committee's year
70 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 5 against officer advice.
Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.