Replacement dwelling amendments at Frithsden Vineyard Frithsden Lane, Hemel Hempstead

What was proposed

The application sought a sunken terrace, a two-metre rear extension, additional lower-ground-floor glazing, safety railings and internal layout changes, without extra bedrooms or increased ridge height.

“This application seeks the variation of Condition 2 (Approved Plans) attached to planning permission 22/02538/FUL (Replacement Dwelling) allowed on appeal under APP/A1910/W/23/3327060 to introduce a new sunken terrace at the lower ground floor level, a 2m extension on the northern elevation to the rear, additional glazing on the lower-ground floor level facing onto the proposed sunken terrace and minor internal re-configurations of the layout of the dwelling.”

“The proposed plans have been slightly amended throughout this application with minor updates to the plans to show the proposed safety railings which are to be located around the sunken terrace to the front and the side.”

Officer report

The site

The site contains a detached dwelling and outbuilding within the Ashridge Estate, the Chilterns National Landscape, the Rural Area and partly the Frithsden Conservation Area.

“The application site is located within a Registered Park and Gardens (Ashridge Estate), the Chilterns National Landscape (formerly AONB) and the designated Rural Area. It also lies adjacent to Frithsden Conservation Area with the south-western corner of the site being located within the Conservation Area. The site comprises a detached dwelling and outbuilding set within a large plot.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

A replacement dwelling was allowed on appeal, and a later Section 73 permission added a basement below ground without external changes.

“A replacement dwelling has been approved on site (22/02538/FUL) which was allowed at appeal (appeal reference: APP/A1910/ W/23/3327060). This application was recommended for delegated approval but was refused at the June 2023 Committee but has since been allowed at appeal. There has also been a Section 73 application (25/00323/ROC) which was approved by Committee in May 2025 that amended the scheme slightly below ground level to add a basement, with no external changes.”

“Planning application ref. 25/00323/ROC - Variation of Condition 2 (Approved Plans) attached to planning permission 22/02538/FUL (Replacement Dwelling) allowed on appeal under APP/A1910/W/23/3327060 GRANTED - 27th May 2025”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, concluding that the amendments would not materially exceed the approved scheme or cause additional harm to landscape, heritage, amenity or highways.

“Planning permission was previously granted via appeal for the demolition of the existing dwelling and the construction of a replacement dwelling (22/02538/FUL and APP/A1910/W/23/3327060). This scheme has been amended under 25/00323/ROC which added a basement at the lower ground level with no external changes.”

“The proposal is not considered to result in any additional material harm over and above the previously approved scheme (both the appeal scheme and the amendments under 25/00323/ROC). The Conservation Officer deemed the previously approved schemes to fall at the low end of ‘less than substantial harm’, and the current scheme is deemed to be within the low to medium range.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local society representative and a parish councillor spoke against the application, while the agent spoke in support.

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions covering the plans, trees, landscaping, materials, access, excavation, construction management and front-gable alterations.

“Resolved: That planning permission be GRANTED. RECOMMENDATION That planning permission be GRANTED, subject to the below conditions. Condition(s) and Reason(s):”

“construction vehicle numbers, type and routing; • traffic management requirements; • construction and storage compounds (including areas designated for car parking); • siting and details of wheel washing facilities; • cleaning of site entrances, site tracks and the adjacent public highway; • timing of construction activities (to avoid school pick up/drop off times); • provision of sufficient on-site parking prior to commencement of construction activities; • post…”

Minutes