Taller outbuilding with solar panels at 10 Moulsham Chase, Chelmsford

What was proposed

Retrospective permission was sought to increase the outbuilding’s height to 3.1 metres and add solar panels, with no change to its footprint.

“The outbuilding permitted had a height of 2.5m with a flat roof. A Non-Material Amendment application was subsequently approved under reference 24/00775/NMAT/1. This permitted a height increase to 2.8m.”

“This proposal now seeks to vary Condition 2 of the governing planning permission to increase the height of the roof of the outbuilding to 3.1m, as well as the addition of solar panels. The outbuilding has been constructed at this greater height and solar panels have been installed.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a recently built two-storey detached house in a mainly residential area, with large gardens and other garden outbuildings nearby.

“The application property is a recently constructed two storey detached house located on the eastern side of Moulsham Chase. It is set back from the road and served by a front garden and an area of hardstanding.”

“The property is situated in a predominantly residential area which consists of dwellings with a mix of sizes, styles and ages. Many houses have been enlarged and benefit from ancillary outbuildings located within their garden spaces.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions covered the outbuilding, a replacement dwelling and a non-material height increase from 2.5 to 2.8 metres.

“An application for the replacement of the dwelling was approved 23 rd July 2025 under reference 24/00774/FUL.”

“The non-material amendment application 24/00775/NMAT/1 to increase the height of the outbuilding from 2.5m to 2.8m was approved on the 4 th April 2025.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the enlarged outbuilding would remain in character and would not harm neighbouring residential amenity.

“The enlarged outbuilding would retain a design, form and appearance that would remain in character with the local area and other similar outbuildings in the locality. The enlarged outbuilding would not, by virtue of its size or siting, adversely affect the residential amenity of any neighbouring properties.”

“The application is recommended for approval.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Public Health raised no comments, while three residents objected on grounds including height, appearance, light, privacy and overbearing impact.

“Public Health & Protection Services – No Public Health comments with regard to this application.”

“Three comments have been received from local residents raising the following issues:”

Officer report

Effect on neighbours

Officers concluded that the outbuilding would not cause harmful overbearing, overlooking or loss of light and would satisfy the relevant local policy.

“Policy DM29 of the Local Plan states that development proposals must safeguard the amenities of the occupiers of any nearby residential property by ensuring that development is not overbearing and does not result in unacceptable overlooking or overshadowing.”

“The development would not lead to harmful levels of overbearing, overlooking or loss of light that would justify a refusal of planning permission.”

Officer report

What members heard

Members were told that the building had natural timber cladding, the solar panels added height and similar buildings existed in the urban area.

The committee’s debate

Members expressed dissatisfaction that the application was retrospective and asked about the additional height’s effect on the neighbouring property.

“The Committee were also informed that the outbuilding would not by virtue of its size or siting, adversely affect the residential amenity of any neighbouring properties and was therefore recommended for approval. Members of the Committee expressed their dissatisfaction with the application being made retrospectively, despite having permission granted two times previously and also queried whether the additional height would impact on the neighbouring property.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved for the taller outbuilding and solar panels.

“Cllr Armstrong returned to the meeting for this item. Cllrs Clark, Frascona, Hall, Lardge, Lee, Sampson and Tron declared non registrable interests for this item and left the meeting at this point. Cllr Dobson took the Chair for the remainder of the meeting. The Committee were asked to consider a proposal that sought retrospective planning permission to vary condition 2 of 24/00775/FUL, which related to an outbuilding that had been built taller than originally approved.”

Minutes