Balconies and screening at 82 Hartley Down, Purley

What was proposed

The application sought a first-floor balcony with obscure screens and balustrades, plus balustrading behind second-floor door openings.

“PLANNING SUB COMMITTEE AGENDA 06 November 2025 PART 5: Planning Applications for Decision Item 3 1 APPLICATION DETAILS Ref: 25/02380/HSE Location: Hartley Down, Purley CR8 4EB Ward: Purley And Woodcote Description: Installation of balustrade behind the door openings on the second floor, creation of first floor balcony with installation of obscure glazed screens to both sides and balustrade to the rear.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a detached two-storey dwelling on a rectangular plot adjoining allotments, with residential properties on both sides.

“(Figure 4: Site photo – rear elevation of the existing dwelling) Site and Surroundings 3.2 The site comprises of a detached two-storey dwelling set within a rectangular shaped plot on the western side of Hartley Down. The rear boundary of the site adjoins Hartley Down Allotments.”

“(Image 5 – aerial view of site and surroundings)”

Officer report

Earlier applications and appeals

Earlier permissions, refusals and dismissed appeals concerned extensions, balconies, visual impact and overlooking of neighbouring gardens.

“21/03937/HSE • Retrospective planning permission was refused for construction of a first floor, single/two storey front/side extensions with terrace area to form a two-storey dwelling. Construction of a rear roof extension with balcony and installation of 4 front and 2 rooflights to each side roof slope and associated alterations.”

“However, in terms of overlooking, the Inspector found that the first floor balcony would result in substantial overlooking of neighbouring gardens, causing a harmful impact on the privacy of adjacent occupiers. It is noted that this is contrary to the earlier appeal decision but takes precedence as the latest decision.”

Officer report

The main planning issues

The committee considered the proposal’s design, effect on the area, neighbouring residential amenity and fire safety.

“MATERIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS 7.1 The main planning issues raised by the application that the committee must consider are: Design and impact on character of the area 2. Impact on neighbouring residential amenity 3. Fire safety 4. Conclusions…”

Officer report

What people said

One individual objection, the residents’ association and the ward councillor raised concerns about character, design and overlooking.

“The following sections of this report summarise the officer assessment and the reason for the recommendation. LOCAL REPRESENTATION 5.1 A total of 4 neighbouring properties were notified about the application and invited to comment. The application has been publicised by way of one site notice displayed in the vicinity of the application site.”

“The following issues were raised in representations that are material to the determination of the application, and they are addressed in substance in the next section of this report: Objection Officer comment Character and design Cause harm to character and appearance of the property and surrounding area and This matter has been addressed in section 7.2-7.4 Neighbouring amenity…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A written objection was read out for a neighbour, and a written statement from the referring ward councillor was also read out.

Members’ consideration

After the speakers finished, the committee deliberated and considered a motion to grant the application on the officer’s recommendation.

“After the speakers had finished, the Committee deliberated.”

“The motion to GRANT the application base on the officer’s recommendation, was proposed by Councillor Fish. This was seconded by Councillor Neal.”

Minutes

The vote

The motion to grant was carried with five members in favour, none against and one abstention.

“The motion to GRANT the application was taken to a vote and carried with five members voting in favour, no members voting against and one abstention.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee resolved to grant the application.

“Therefore, the Committee RESOLVED to GRANT the application for 82 Hartley Down, Purley CR8 4EB.”

Minutes