Two-storey home extension at 8 The Crescent, Holywood

What was proposed

The application proposed a two-storey side extension, a single-storey rear extension and renovation works involving demolition of the existing side and rear returns.

“DEA: Holywood & Clandeboye Proposal: Two-storey extension side and rear; renovation works (demolition of side and rear returns) Location: The Crescent Holywood Applicant: Gillian McCollum…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The property is a Georgian, three-storey end terrace in a gated group of listed properties, with traditional features, a large rear garden and mature trees.

“The property is located in ‘The Crescent’ which is made up of eight listed properties. The properties are in the form of two terraced blocks facing onto a central green. The development is gated and privately maintained.”

“As would be expected, the property displays many traditional features: sliding sash windows, decorative door surrounds, canted bay windows, slate roof tiles, cast iron downpipes, clipped gable edges etc. The dwelling has a modern – and rather unsympathetic – extension to side and rear. There is a large rear garden. A line of mature trees to the west screen the site from a public car park accessed from Church Road.”

Officer report

Earlier planning matters

A related listed building consent application was being considered, while permissions existed for works to the adjacent property and five trees.

“Parallel application for Listed Building Consent being considered under application LA06/2025/0950/LBC.”

“Works to five trees at The Crescent consented under LA06/2023/2338/WPT.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the contemporary extension subordinate and sufficiently secluded, with no adverse conservation impact, no harm to neighbours, and acceptable tree arrangements.

“The applicant proposes the replacement of the side and rear returns with a more modern extension. The extension will be two-storey to the side and single-storey to the rear. The extension has a very contemporary design which will be in sharp contrast to the house. The proposal will use brick, will have a flat roof and is designed with large panels of glazing. In terms of footprint, the proposal will not be significantly different to the existing extensions.”

“The CA Officer referred to the secluded nature of the site in relation to any public areas of the CA and the limited visual impact of any extension on any building beyond The Crescent. Whilst it is accepted the design is very contemporary, the scale is subservient to the main house, and the contrasting materials and form preserve the architectural integrity of the house. It was concluded there would be no adverse impact upon the conservation area.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Planning Officer explained the proposal, its planning context, design, neighbour impacts, trees and recommendation to the committee.

Members’ discussion

Members noted the internal alterations and rear amenity space, and considered there would be no material residential amenity, parking or access concerns.

“The floor plans were shown and Members noted some internal alterations to the layout of the existing rooms. The rear amenity space was shown. It was not considered that the works raised any material concerns in respect to residential amenity. The house was set in a corner of The Crescent with no other property beyond. Number 7 was adjacent and was the only property that could potentially be affected.”

Minutes

The committee’s vote

Councillor Wray proposed adopting the recommendation, Councillor Smart seconded it, and the committee resolved to grant planning permission.

“In summary, officers considered the proposal to meet all relevant policies and recommended the proposal for approval. RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Wray, seconded by Councillor Smart, that the recommendation be adopted and that planning permission be granted. 4.7”

Minutes

Conditions attached

The permission required approved materials, tree retention and protection, replacement planting, landscaping, and commencement within five years.

“All proposed trees and landscaping works shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details. The works shall be carried out in the first available planting season following occupation of the extension hereby approved.”

“The tree protection barrier shall be erected for retained trees in accordance with Tree Survey (date amended 9 th April 2026) and approved plan No.2B and shall be in accordance with BS5837:2012 before any equipment, machinery or materials are brought onto the site for the purposes of the development, and shall be maintained until all equipment, machinery and surplus materials have been removed from the site.”

Officer report