Side and rear extension at 29 The Hook, Barnet

What was proposed

The application proposed part single-storey and part two-storey side and rear extensions after demolishing the garage, plus a single-storey front extension.

“Part single part two storey side and rear extension following demolition of the existing garage. Single storey front extension…”

“The proposed side element would be on top of the existing side garage, with a width of 3m, a set back from the front building line by 0.6m, and with a pitched gable roof with a set down from the ridge of the house by 0.2m. The rear element would be part single and part two storey, and would have a depth of 3.5m on the ground floor level and a depth of 3m on the first floor level. The rear element would have a crown pitched roof on the first floor level.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a semi-detached house, outside a conservation area, and is not a listed building or affected by onsite tree protection orders.

“The application site is located at 29 The Hook, Barnet, EN5 1LQ, consisting of a semi- detached dwellinghouse within the Barnet Vale ward.”

“The site is not located within a conservation area and is not a listed building. There are no onsite TPOs.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions, concluding that the extension would be acceptable in design and would not unduly harm neighbouring amenities.

“Having taken all material considerations into account, it is considered that subject to compliance with the attached conditions, the proposed development would have an acceptable impact on the character and appearance of the application site, the street scene and the locality. The development is not considered to have an undue adverse impact on the amenities of neighbouring occupiers. This application is therefore recommended for APPROVAL”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The main issues were the effect on the existing building, street scene and locality, and the living conditions of neighbouring residents.

“The main issues for consideration in this case are:”

“- Whether harm would be caused to the character and appearance of the existing building, the street scene and the wider locality; - Whether harm would be caused to the living conditions of neighbouring residents.”

Officer report

Objections from neighbours

Twenty-eight objections raised concerns including possible future uses, illegal activity, parking, overdevelopment, loss of light, visual intrusion and repeated applications.

“Consultation letters were sent to 3 neighbouring properties. 28no objections were received, summarised as follows:”

“- potential future use of the property as an HMO - potential illegal use of the application property, such as growing cannabis - blocking adjoining neighbour's light, overshadowing, overbearing, visually intrusive - parking issues - out of character, overdevelopment - impact on the value of the neighbouring properties…”

Officer report

People who spoke

The planning officer presented the report, a speaker objected, and the agent addressed the committee in support.

The committee vote

The vote was tied, with two supporting approval, two opposing approval and two abstentions, before the Chair used her casting vote.

“The Chair moved to vote on the Officer’s recommendation to approve the application.”

“*The Chair used her casting vote to approve the application.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved subject to conditions, with delegated authority for minor changes after consultation with the Chair or Vice-Chair.

“RESOLVED that the application be APPROVED subject to conditions AND the Committee grants delegated authority to the Service Director – Planning and Building Control to make any minor alterations, additions or deletions to the recommended conditions/obligations or reasons for refusal as set out in this report and addendum provided this authority shall be exercised after consultation with the Chair (or in their absence the Vice-Chair) of the Committee (who may request that…”

Minutes