Home extensions and alterations at 1 Westergate Road, London SE2

What was proposed

The application proposed enlarging the bungalow with ground-floor extensions, a new first floor, loft accommodation and roof alterations.

“SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: Erection of a single-storey infill extension, a single- storey side extension, a first-floor extension, and conversion of the roof space involving alterations to the existing roofline, including a hip-to-gable enlargement and the installation of two side dormer windows.”

“SUMMARY The application seeks planning permission for the extension and alteration of the existing single-storey semi-detached dwelling at 1 Westergate Road, including the construction of a new first floor and loft-level accommodation, extensions and alterations to the existing roofline.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The property is a corner-plot semi-detached bungalow in a residential area, with frontages to two roads and parking in the rear garden.

“The application site is located on a corner plot at the junction of Woolwich Road and Westergate Road, within a residential area. The property comprises a single-storey semi- detached bungalow that occupies a rectangular plot with dual frontages onto both highways. The site includes a small front garden and a private rear garden which provides an off-street car parking space.”

“The immediate surroundings are characterised by a mixture of residential properties, the majority of which are traditional two-storey houses arranged in a linear form along both roads. While two-storey houses predominate in the area, a limited number of single- storey dormer bungalows are evident on the opposite side of Woolwich Road. The site is not located within a conservation area, is not subject to any heritage designations, and lies within Flood Zone 1.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier application was refused because of concerns about the roof’s bulk and the rear extension’s effect on the adjoining property.

“23/01986/FUL Erection of a single storey rear infill extension, single storey front extension and conversion of roof space involving alterations to existing roofline including a hip to gable enlargement, a side dormer extension, two dormer windows to the front and various rooflights to front/rear roofslopes. Refused on 14.05.2024. Reason for refusal:”

“The proposed ridge height increase, hip to gable roof extension and roof dormers by virtue of their cumulative bulk, massing and form would give rise to an incongruous and unsympathetic addition that would detract from the host property's character and appearance and the wider street scene.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because amended design, materials and proportions would fit the area and avoid unacceptable effects on neighbouring amenity.

“RECOMMENDATION Grant planning permission subject to conditions.”

“REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION The scheme achieves a high standard of design, reinstates the symmetry of the semi- detached pair, and uses materials consistent with the local character. It does not result in unacceptable harm to neighbouring amenity in terms of outlook, privacy, daylight, or enclosure. Amendments to the roof design, massing, and rear extension address previous reasons for refusal and ensure the proposal integrates appropriately with the surrounding built form.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

No consultations were required, while three neighbouring addresses objected to amenity, appearance, boundaries and highway safety.

“Objections have been received from three neighbouring addresses. In summary the following objections have been raised.”

“Concerns about loss of daylight, sunlight, and outlook to neighbouring rooms and garden areas, particularly relating to proposed height, rear extension, and proximity to windows. Potential overlooking from new dormer windows. ➢ The proposal is overdevelopment, with a bulk and form that is out of character with the surrounding streetscape, especially in relation to the attached property.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector addressed the committee, followed by two supporters of the application.

Committee discussion

Members discussed the application, considered the speakers’ comments and noted the report and its addendum.

“The Committee discussed the application, considered all observations, points and comments made by the speakers and noted the report with the Addendum item for this application.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee voted unanimously, by 10 votes to zero, to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation.

“Following their discussion, the Committee RESOLVED on a vote of 10/0 to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation as set out in the report before them.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was approved in accordance with the officer recommendation, subject to conditions.

“Grant planning permission subject to the following conditions:”

“Reason: To comply with the requirements of Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004).”

Officer report