Four houses with extensions at 64 Stanhope Road, Swanscombe

What was proposed

The application sought single-storey rear extensions to four semi-detached one-bedroom houses, each measuring 2.1 metres deep and 4.6 metres wide.

“(4) Permission is sought to erect two pairs of semi-detached one bedroom houses. This application has been submitted under section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as it is seeking amendments (by varying the condition listing the drawing numbers) to a previously consented scheme under 23/00957/VCON.”

“(5) The current application seeks consent for the addition of a single storey rear extension to each of the houses. The extensions would be 2.1m deep and 4.6m wide. The extensions have a small pitched roof with an eaves height of 2.4m and a maximum height of 3.2m. The rear of the extension would have French Doors and a kitchen window. This is the only difference from the previously approved development.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a former builders yard in a mainly residential area, with construction of the four houses already at first-floor level.

“(1) The application site is 491 square metres (just under 0.05 hectares) in size and is located on the southern side of Harmer Road. It is situated within a predominately residential area. This site previously contained a number of buildings used in connection with a former builders merchant which have now been demolished.”

“(2) To the east of the site is a shared access path that serves the rear gardens of the terraced properties fronting Stanhope Road. Beyond this is a two storey end of terrace building (with a large two storey rear projection) and store which was also in the ownership of the applicant and was used as the associated builders merchants office and store.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the extensions would not harm adjoining occupiers and the remaining garden space was adequate for one-bedroom homes.

“(23) The application results in the loss of amenity space for the proposed dwellings compared to the approved plans. The extensions cover an area of approximately 9.5 square metres and this therefore reduces the garden areas to each property somewhat.”

“(26) With regard to the size of the amenity areas, I consider that the garden area now provided is at the limit of an acceptable amenity space but I do not consider it to be so small that refusal of the application is justified. In making this assessment I note that the dwellings are one-bedroom properties and therefore are very unlikely to be used for family accommodation.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Major Projects Team Leader introduced the application, and a Democratic Services Officer read a prepared statement supporting it for the absent applicant.

What members debated

Members discussed permitted development, parking use, possible further extensions, overlooking and the condition preventing HMO use without permission.

“CHAIRMAN’S INITIALS • If the Board were to reject the application the applicant could still build the extensions under permitted development, but this could only be done once the main properties were completed. • If the applicant proceeds with the current consent, the applicant could build further extensions without planning permission as the current planning condition only prevents Class C & D development.”

“A Member noted that they were pleased that there was condition that prevented the application for using the site as an HMO without permission. Another member expressed their concern that the parking provisions in the application would not be used by the residents of the site who would then park on the road and so create further demand on already limited parking in the area.”

Minutes

The vote

Members voted on the officer recommendation and agreed to support it.

“Members then voted on the Officer Recommendation to approve, the Board then subsequently agreed to support the Officer Recommendation and so the application was approved.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted for the variation of condition.

“Grant planning permission for variation of condition…”

Minutes