Garage conversion and rear porch at 10 Little Lane, Ely

What was proposed

The application proposed converting the garage and utility into a playroom, replacing the garage door with a window, and adding a rear lean-to porch.

“Proposal: Garage conversion, removal of garage door and infill with window and addition of porch to rear…”

“The application proposes the conversion of the existing garage and adjoining utility into a playroom and erection of a rear lean-to porch outside the existing French doors to the study. The garage conversion would involve infilling the garage door opening with a white u-PVC window surrounded by white u-PVC cladding over a matching brick base. The rear porch would consist of white u-PVC windows over white u-PVC panels on a matching brick base with white u-PVC glazed roof.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a modern semi-detached bungalow in a residential area within Ely’s development envelope and Conservation Area.

“The application site is an existing dwelling within a residential area. It is within the development envelope and Conservation Area.”

“The dwelling consists of a modern semi-detached one-and-a-half storey side gabled bungalow with single front and rear gabled dormer windows and front jerkinhead roof wing over to its north-eastern side, housing an integral garage and entrance porch.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier application for a pair of chalet bungalows was approved in July 1995.

“95/00374/FUL - Erection of a pair of chalet bungalows. Approved 27-July-1995”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would not significantly harm the area’s character, the conservation area or neighbouring properties.

“The proposed developments would have no significant detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the area; The proposed developments would not harm the significance of the Ely Conservation Area; The proposed developments would have no significant detrimental impacts on the amenities of neighbouring properties.”

“The application is being heard by committee because it triggers the Councils Constitution in respect of applications made by or on behalf of Members and which are recommended for approval (Constitution: Part 5: Codes and Protocols:”

Officer report

Main planning effects

The assessment found acceptable effects on appearance, neighbouring amenity, biodiversity, conservation significance and parking, subject to materials being controlled.

“Principle of Development • Impact on the character and appearance of the area • Impact on the amenities of neighbouring properties • Impact on the biodiversity of the area • Impact on the significance of the Ely Conservation Area • Impact on parking provision…”

“Impact on the significance of the Ely Conservation Area 7.23 ECLP Policy ENV 11 (Conservation Areas) seeks a particular high standard of design and materials in order to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the area; and retention of attractive traditional materials and features. It also expects developers to show how the Ely Conservation Area Appraisal SPD has informed their proposals.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The councils’ consultees and conservation officer raised no objections, while the highways authority found no material highway impact.

“ECDC Conservation Officer - 27 October 2025 Responded with no objection.”

“CCC Local Highways Authority - 31 October 2025 Responded with no objection. It is considered that the proposed development would have no material impact on the public highway as, although the proposal does incur the loss of a parking space within the garage, it appears that the driveway can facilitate 2-3 vehicles. It is pointed out that it is at the discretion of the Local Parking Authority to determine if this is sufficient parking provisions for a property of this size.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer presented the report, and councillors were invited to ask questions.

Committee discussion

The committee asked the planning officer about replacing the garage door before moving into debate.

“Councillors were invited to ask questions to the officer.”

“In reply to Cllr John Trapp, the Planning Officer confirmed that the application proposed the replacing of the garage door.”

Minutes

The vote

A councillor proposed and another seconded the recommendation, which the committee unanimously agreed.

“The Cllr Mark Goldsack proposed and Cllr Bill Hunt seconded the recommendation in the report. A vote was taken and the Committee unanimously agreed…”

Minutes

Approval conditions

The recommended conditions required compliance with the approved plans, commencement within three years and approval or use of specified external materials.

“Commencement of Development 2 The development hereby permitted shall be commenced within 3 years of the date of this permission.”

“Specified Materials 3 The materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the development shall be either: a) As detailed on the application form and Dwg No. SE-2397A PP1000 received 23rd October 2025; or, b) Submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to their use in the construction of the development.”

Officer report