Single-storey rear extension at 64 Knockhall Road, Greenhithe

What was proposed

The application sought a flat-roofed single-storey rear extension, 6.5 metres wide, 3.5 metres deep and 3 metres high, to provide a living room.

“(4) The application seeks planning permission for the erection of a flat roofed single storey rear extension. The proposed extension would serve as a living room. It would have a width of 6.5m, a maximum depth of 3.5m and a height of 3m. The proposed windows and walls would match the existing dwelling.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a semi-detached two-storey house with a rear garden in a mainly residential area, near neighbouring houses and rear gardens.

“(1) No. Knockhall Road is a semi-detached two storey dwellinghouse. It has a small front garden and a rear garden enclosed by a close boarded fence with a gate to allow vehicle access to the rear garden from the front. The property has a brick finish with a tiled roof. The windows are white UPVC. The neighbouring residential properties are similar in design and character.”

“(3) No. 62 is the attached property to the northeast. No. 66 is the neighbouring property to the southwest which is 4.6m from the flank elevation of no. To the rear is no. 9 and 10 Abbey Road, the nearest of which is 35m from the rear elevation of no. The property is within a mainly residential area.”

Officer report

Site history

The gardens had been overgrown for years, leading to an enforcement case, and the current applicant had recently cleared the garden.

“(5) From historic photography and Council records, the gardens had become overgrown over a number of years and there was a Planning Enforcement case (22/00197/ENF) following a complaint regarding the state of the land. The garden has recently been cleared by the current applicant.”

Officer report

What officers advised

Officers recommended approval, finding no harmful effect on the area’s character, neighbouring residential amenity or highway amenity.

“(48) With consideration to the relevant planning policies and received consultation responses, I am of the view that the proposed rear extension would not be harmful to the character and appearance of the existing dwelling or area. I also find that the proposed development would not be harmful to the residential amenity of neighbouring dwellings through overlooking, overshadowing or overbearing impacts nor highway amenity.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

The town council strongly objected, while neighbours raised concerns about established trees and overlooking; drainage details were required before construction.

“(6) Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council - Strongly object on the basis that they believe that the works which have begun do not match the proposed plans. They also expressed concerns regarding ownership and potential future conversion to HMO.”

“(8) Southern Water - Construction of the development shall not commence until details of the proposed means of foul/surface water drainage disposal have been submitted to and approve in writing by the Local Planning Authority in consultation with Southern Water.”

Officer report

Other concerns

Councillors raised concerns about stability, working hours, internal changes, HMO use, building control and damage to the neighbouring property.

“(9) Ward Member Councillor Gale raises concern regarding the stability of the neighbouring property, anti-social working hours of builders, internal changes and conversion to an HMO.”

“(10) Ward Member Councillor Mote raises concern regarding building control issues and damage to the neighbouring property.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Development Manager introduced the application, and Councillor Gale spoke against it as a local ward member.

Members’ debate

Members were concerned that the application might be misleading and that approving it could worsen parking pressure near a local park.

“In the debate that followed Members noted that they were concerned that the application was potentially misleading. They also expressed concerns over parking in the area noting a local park nearby which created an increase in demand for parking which approving the application would exasperate.”

“The Head of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer added for clarification for Members that any house can potentially be converted to an HMO without planning permission under permitted development rights provided there are no more than six persons living at the house but that an HMO use this did not form part of the current application…”

Minutes

The vote

The Chair’s motion to approve the application under the officer recommendation was seconded and carried.

“The Chair moved to approve the application as per the Officer’s recommendation, the motion was seconded, put to a vote and carried.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to the conditions in the agenda report.

“CHAIRMAN’S INITIALS To grant planning permission subject to conditions in the agenda report.”

Minutes

Conditions

The permission required commencement within three years, approved plans, drainage details before work and matching external materials.

“The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission…”

“Before commencement of the development hereby approved, details of the proposed means of foul and surface water drainage disposal should be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The details shall be implemented as approved.”

Officer report