Side and rear extension at 47 Swanbridge Road, Bexleyheath

What was proposed

Permission was sought for a part one-storey and part two-storey side and rear extension, after demolishing the existing side extension and adding front hardstanding.

“This application seeks planning permission for the erection of a part one/part two storey side and rear extension following demolition of the existing side extension and formation of hard standing to the front of the property.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The property is a two-storey end-terrace house in a residential area with varied housing, outside a conservation area and not listed.

“This property is a two-storey end-terrace house on the northern side of Swanbridge Road. The surrounding area is residential, comprising of a mix of property types including two storey terraced, semi-detached and detached bungalows. The property is not statutorily listed or locally listed and is not sited within a conservation area.”

Officer report

Officers’ main assessment

The extension was considered compatible with the area, harmful impacts on neighbours were not expected, and two parking spaces would remain.

“No. 45 is the attached neighbouring property located to the west of the application site. It has a rear conservatory. The extension would be flush to the shared boundary between 45 Swanbridge Road and 47 Swanbridge Road. The first floor spacing between the side wall of the proposed development and the boundary with this neighbouring property is approximately 2.8m (well in excess of the guideline minimum separation distance of 2m).”

“Currently the application site has the provision for two off street parking spaces. One via a garage and one on the existing driveway. The proposed development would result in the loss of the garage and therefore an off-street parking space. Notwithstanding this, the expanded driveway would compensate for the loss of the garage and therefore the provision of two off-street parking spaces would remain. Given this no objection is raised to this proposal on highways grounds.”

Officer report

Objections raised

Two letters and Bexley Civic Society objected over intrusion, overdevelopment, character, light, overshadowing and the effect on a neighbour’s conservatory.

“The proposed development is excessive and intrusive due to being built hard up to the boundary • Visually intrusive • Overdevelopment • Out of character • Loss of light • Overshadowing • Reduce property value • Detraction from character of terrace • Party Wall…”

“In addition, Bexley Civic Society have objected stating that:”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker addressed the committee in opposition to the application.

Committee discussion

Members considered the observations, comments from the speaker and the officer report with its addendum.

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

“The Committee discussed the application and considered all observations, points and comments made by the speakers.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee approved the application by six votes to one.

“Following their discussion, the Committee RESOLVED on a vote of 6/1 to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation as set out in the report before them.”

Minutes