Six-bedroom house extension at Treetops, Whaddon Drive, Chester

What was proposed

The application proposed extending a three-bedroom bungalow into a two-storey six-bedroom dwelling, with a replacement front garage.

“Planning permission is sought for a two-storey rear extension and first floor extension to convert the existing detached 3-bedroom bungalow into a two-storey 6- bedroom dwelling, with replacement front garage.”

“The extension is proposed to be finished in materials to match the existing building.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a detached bungalow in the Chester settlement boundary, with a protected tree on the frontage.

“The site relates to a detached 3-bedroom single-storey bungalow off Whaddon Drive, Lache, within the Chester City settlement boundary.”

“A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) exists for the tree on the site frontage.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the proposal sufficiently in keeping with its surroundings and unlikely to cause significant harm to residential amenity.

“Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 provides that where regard is to be had to the development plan for the purpose of any determination to be made under the Planning Acts, the determination must be made in accordance with the plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.”

“The proposal would not result in a significant adverse impact upon the residential amenity of the occupiers of existing properties or future occupiers of the proposed development and, whilst increasing the size and scale of the original dwelling, this would be considered to be sufficiently in keeping with the character and appearance of its surroundings.”

Officer report

Objections from residents

Residents objected over height, character, light, solar panels, foundations, holiday-let use, precedent and the councillor acting as agent.

“Representations from neighbouring residents and a collective response from multiple residents of Whaddon Drive have been received objecting to the proposal. The issues raised are summarised as follows:”

“The development would result in the impairment of solar panels on neighbouring property. • The development would not align with the character and appearance of the area. • The development would be close to “Sunnydale” and would affect their right to light. • The proposed development would be significantly taller than other properties on Whaddon Drive. • Concerns about the large foundations which cover the garden. • Concerns about use of the building as a holiday let.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke, while a written statement from an absent ward councillor was read to the committee.

Members’ questions

Members asked about the relationship with neighbouring properties, matching materials and the percentage increase in the property’s size.

“Referencing the written statement from Cllr Daniels, could a condition be imposed to see this application only use materials similar to those used in the surrounding properties. • Could officers state if the property was to see a percentage increase in its size.”

“Officers responded as follows: • Yes, the report included illustrations confirming the plans would see this property remain a similar height to the surrounding properties • Officers advised the late information report for this item had commented on this point, however more information would be required and therefore a condition could be placed on this application for this request. There was no percentage set out in the report.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

The committee unanimously approved the application subject to the conditions in the officer recommendation.

“Decided that The application be approved.”

Minutes