Replacement dwelling at 10 Spareleaze Hill, Loughton

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing dwelling and building a replacement 3.5-storey home with lower-ground, ground, first and second floors.

“The proposal seeks to demolish the existing dwelling and construct a replacement 3.5 storey dwelling comprising lower-ground, ground, first and second floors.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contained a family home under construction within Loughton’s built-up area, on a road of detached chalet bungalows and larger houses.

“The application site comprises a family dwellinghouse on the north side of Spareleaze Hill located within the built-up area of Loughton. The original dwellinghouse is a 1.5 storey chalet bungalow, however, following prior approval secured in 2024 works have commenced to extend the dwelling by way of a first floor, thus the dwelling as existing is currently under construction to become a two-storey house.”

“Spareleaze Hill is made up of detached chalet bungalows and, predominantly, large houses. Spareleaze Hill rises from the southwest to the northeast; the topography also drops to the north side of the road (rearwards of the dwelling).”

Officer report

Earlier applications

An earlier replacement-house proposal was refused, while prior approval for adding a first floor and approval of construction details were granted.

“June 2024 Planning permission was refused in June 2024 for the demolition of the existing bungalow and erection of a replacement house. • December 2024 Prior approval for the addition of a first floor to the bungalow was approved in December 2024. • February 2024 Condition 4 ‘Construction Management’ of the prior approval consent discharged. • July 2025 This current application seeks consent to demolish the existing dwelling and erect a replacement house.”

“EPF/0380/25 - Application for approval of details reserved by condition 4 'Construction Management' on planning application EPF/2105/24 (Prior approval for the formation of a first floor utilising the same design as the original house) – Approved…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Six neighbour responses were received: four supported the proposal, two objected, and Loughton Town Council opposed it as overdevelopment harmful to the street scene.

“Number of neighbours consulted: 17. 6 responses received.”

“LOUGHTON TOWN COUNCIL - The Committee OBJECTED to this application, stating it was an overdevelopment that would be detrimental to the street scene. Contrary to Policy DM9 of the Epping Forest adopted Local Plan (2023) and the NPPF (2023).”

Officer report

Support and objections

Supporters cited improvement and better design, while objectors raised flooding, drainage, overlooking and privacy concerns from rear glazing and terraces.

“Improvement to the original dwelling. • In keeping and complimentary to surrounding houses. • More aesthetically pleasing than the prior approval scheme.”

“Flooding/drainage concerns. • Overlooking and a loss of privacy for No.16 Shelley Grove due to excessive glazing proposed to the rear, particularly the full-length glass patio doors with balcony at ground floor and second floor terraces.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard a presentation from the planning officer and representations from the applicant and a town councillor.

Committee discussion

Members discussed the merits of the application after hearing the presentation and representations.

“Members of the Committee received a presentation from the Planning Officer, and representations from the Applicant and Town Councillor.”

“The Committee then discussed the merits of the application.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee voted for the officer’s recommendation to approve the application.

“The Committee then voted for the officer’s recommendation to approve the application.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved with conditions.

“The application for the above site was APPROVED with Conditions.”

Minutes