House extension and roof alterations at Penny Royal, Gerrards Cross

What was proposed

The application sought part single-storey and part two-storey side and rear extensions, together with alterations to the roof.

“Report to East and South Area Buckinghamshire Planning Committee Application Number: PL/25/5596/FA Proposal: Part single storey, part two storey side and rear extension. Roof alterations.”

Officer report

The site

The proposal concerned a two-storey dwelling in a large plot, with the extensions built in matching brickwork to square off the rear.

“Description of Proposed Development 2.1 This application relates to a two storey dwelling set within a large plot to the southwest of Dukes Wood Drive. The extension(s) is to be constructed in brickwork to match the main dwelling and will essentially square off the rear of the property.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier permissions included similar extensions in 2020 and 2021, while the current proposal was slightly wider than the 2021 permission.

“This application follows two previous, similar applications to extend the property: PL/21/0873/FA and PL/19/2963/FA. PL/21/0873/FA was approved on 4 June 2021 under delegated powers. The primary differences between the current proposal and PL/21/0873/FA is that this one no longer proposes accommodation in the roof, and, as a result, has omitted the front rooflights, however is slightly wider than that which was previously approved.”

“87/00168/APPLIC, Conditional Permission, 6 May 1987 - Outline Application. Erection of detached house and garage fronting Cheyne Close 3.5 87/00179/APPLIC, Conditional Permission, 8 July 1987 - Outline Application. Erection of detached bungalow or chalet bungalow with garage, fronting High Beeches. 3.6 88/00119/APPLIC, Conditional Permission, 7 June 1988 - Erection of bungalow with Attached Garage Fronting high beeches. (Details: Outline being SBD/179/87).”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The town council objected over loss of light, plot overdevelopment and privacy, while two representations raised further amenity and drawing concerns.

“Cllr Bracken: I call in this application so that it may be considered by the planning committee The basis of this call in include so that an evaluation of the issues relating to + negative impact on the privacy of neighbours + scale, bulk and position of the proposed dwelling and its adverse impact on the amenity of the neighbouring properties I confirm I have no interest in this application…”

“Gerrards Cross Town Council Comments Gerrards Cross Town Council has an objection to this planning application on the following grounds: - Loss of light for neighbouring properties - Overdevelopment of the plot - Negative impact on the privacy of neighbours…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The ward member, a town council representative and an objector spoke at the meeting, and the committee had visited the site.

Members’ decision basis

Members supported refusal on ecology grounds because the ecological surveys were considered out of date.

“Members voted in favour of the motion to refuse the application, in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation, on ecology grounds as the ecology surveys were now considered out of date.”

“It was proposed by Councillor D Moore and seconded by Councillor S Wilson…”

Minutes

The final decision

The application was refused in line with the officer recommendation because updated ecological surveys were not provided.

“Resolved: that the application be refused, in line with the Officer’s recommendation.”

Minutes