Accessible side extension at 1 School Lane, Newton Poppleford, Sidmouth

“School Lane is a two-storey, end of terrace dwelling located within the village built-up area boundary of Newton Poppleford. The internal configuration provides a living room, bathroom and kitchen on the ground floor and 3 bedrooms upstairs. The property is bound by number 2 School Lane on the northern (side) elevation, and Newton Poppleford Primary School to both the rear and southern (side) boundaries. The rear garden is reasonably sized, being approximately 25m deep.”

“The site is within the East Devon National Landscape (formerly AONB).”

“Two (2) neutral comments were received from third parties during the notification period. The comments both stated that the key issue was that they wished for access, via a right of way existing on their title deeds, to be maintained. There is a right of way for properties 2 and 3 School Lane to access their rear gardens via the subject site.”

“The dwelling is currently under the control of Housing Regulated Services and it is intended to provide accommodation for a family with a member who has special needs; the width of the extension is said to be the minimum necessary to meet these needs.”

“In this instance, the need for appropriate housing stock to accommodate a person with a disability is a material consideration. Whilst there would be some adverse impacts due to the width of the development, there are design elements to try and ameliorate this. On balance, and having regard to the needs of the tenants, the benefit of the proposal is considered to outweigh the adverse impacts to the street scene.”

“Town Council – Council are concerned that a flat roof is contrary to our neighbourhood plan. a pitch roof would be preferred. The rights of the other tenants to be retained with neighbours still having access.”

“Ward Member - As this appears to be an application by EDDC for an EDDC social house, I would have hoped that the design would have taken into account the made neighbourhood plan for Newton Poppleford which clearly shows that we have a strong preference against flat roofs. I would therefore ask that the design be amended to include a pitched roof for the extension, otherwise I cannot support it in its current guise.”

“As the proposal is single storey and does not propose any windows or glazing above ground floor level there is not considered to be any unreasonable impacts due to overlooking. Further, given the orientation of the property, there would negligible if any overshadowing caused by the proposed development upon a residential neighbour.”

“It is for these reasons that there is not considered to be any unreasonable adverse impact upon neighbour amenity. It is therefore considered that the proposal aligns with Policy D1 (Design and Local Distinctiveness) of the Local Plan 2013-2031.”

“3.) Surface water drainage shall be provided by means of soakaways within the site which shall comply with the requirements of BRE Digest 365 for the critical 1 in 100- year storm event plus 45% for climate change unless an alternative means of surface water drainage is submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to installation.”

“5.) No development above foundation level shall take place until a landscaping scheme has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority; such a scheme is to include the planting of any trees, hedges, shrubs, herbaceous plants and areas to be grassed. The scheme shall also give details of any proposed walls, fences and other boundary treatments.”

“Proposal: Single storey side extension, remove existing chimney externally, off street parking space and external ramps for disabled adaptation.”

“RESOLVED: Approval with conditions in accordance with officer recommendation.”