Front house extension at 2 Meadowbank Close Hurworth Place, Darlington

What was proposed

The application proposed a part single-storey and part two-storey extension projecting from the front of the dwelling.

“DESCRIPTION: Erection of part single storey, part two storey extension to front elevation…”

“Planning permission is sought for the erection of a part single storey and part two storey front extension. The current frontage has an existing projecting element, from which the proposed two storey extension would project 3m from this part of the building. The proposed single storey extension would also project 3m from the main front elevation, but the canopy section to go over the new front door, would tie in with the front aspect of the two storey element.”

Officer report

The site

The detached dwelling is between two neighbouring properties and lies within flood zones 2 and 3.

“APPLICATION AND SITE DESCRIPTION 1. This application site relates to a detached dwelling located at 2 Meadowbank Close, Hurworth Place within Darlington. Adjacent to the North is 1 Meadowbank Close and adjacent to the South is 3 Meadowbank Close. The frontage of this application site faces Westward, onto the shared access for the properties located on Meadowbank Close. Furthermore, the application site is located within flood zones 2 and 3.”

Officer report

Earlier planning decisions

Earlier permissions covered garage conversion, rear extensions, a loft conversion, and a change to domestic curtilage.

“Application Reference Description Decision Decision Date 20/00126/FUL Conversion of integral garage into a habitable room including replacing garage doors with bi-folding doors Granted with Conditions 09.04.20 20/00862/FUL Erection of single storey garden room/gym extension and single storey store extension to rear elevation and relocation of existing pergola (as amended by plans received 18.11.20) Granted with Conditions 03.12.20 21/00619/FUL Conversion of loft into…”

“Further to the change of use application (Ref; 21/00798/CU), it is noted that the additional land that was approved as domestic curtilage is not included in the red edge for this application. However, as the works relate to the frontage of the property, the red edge on this occasion is considered suitable to demonstrate both the application site and where construction access can be obtained from.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal was considered acceptable in relation to character, amenity, highways, flooding and drainage.

“CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 62. The development is considered to be acceptable with regards to any impacts upon character, amenity, highway safety and flood and drainage matters. The development is considered to be acceptable in regard to these matters and would comply with both national and local planning policy. Therefore, it is recommended that the application be approved with conditions for the reasons specified above.”

Officer report

Objections raised

Six properties objected over design, overbearing effects, privacy, construction impacts, flooding, drainage, precedent and loss of outlook.

“RESULTS OF PUBLICITY AND NOTIFICATION 10. Multiple objection comments have been received by three neighbouring properties and a further three properties within the wider area have also submitted objection comments; a total of six properties raising objection comments.”

“This document was classified as: OFFICIAL • Impact upon character • Overdevelopment • Overbearing and overshadowing impacts • Impact upon light • Loss of outlook • Impact upon privacy • Increased noise levels • Impact upon views • Restrictive covenants / Housing management company restrictions • Construction noise, dust and general disturbance • Construction safety concerns • Construction could damage neighbouring driveways/ properties • Additional construction traffic…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from the agent and three objectors, while considering six objection comments.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to conditions covering timing, approved plans, materials and protection of an adjacent tree.

“RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:”

“Adjacent Protected Tree - Prohibited Works There shall be an exclusion zone in the form of a 5m radius around the adjacent existing mature tree (T4), in which the following shall not be permitted within this exclusion zone; • No construction activity is to take place which may cause compaction or contamination in the rooting areas near the tree • No equipment, materials or machinery shall be placed within this 5m radius and shall not be attached to or supported by the…”

Minutes