Two-bedroom dwelling and extensions at 57 Paston Crescent, Eltham, London SE12

What was proposed

The application proposed extensions, a new two-bedroom dwelling, garden subdivision, outbuildings, dormers and rooflights.

“The application seeks planning permission for the construction of a single- storey rear extension and a first-floor extension on top of the existing single- storey side extension at No.57 Paston Crescent to form a self-contained 2 bed 3 person dwelling, including the subdivision of the plot.”

“As a result of the proposed development and subdivision of the plot, the existing garden area (side and rear) of No.57 with approximately 153sqm would be reduced to 498sqm. The proposed dwelling would have a garden area of approximately 93sqm.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a two-storey semi-detached home with a side extension, garden, vehicle access and boundary trees and hedgerow.

“The application site comprises a two-storey semi-detached dwelling with an existing single storey side extension, located on the southern side of Paston Crescent on the junction with Alnwick Road. The semi-detached pair of dwellings Nos.57 Paston Crescent and 139 Alnwick Road fronting and backing onto the corner of the site, forms a mirroring pair with Nos. Paston Crescent and 137 Alnwick Road to the North.”

“First-floor/two-storey side extensions and rear dormer window roof extensions are absent in the vicinity of the application site. The majority of properties have been historically extended to the side and rear with a single storey extension.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier two-storey side extension creating a self-contained dwelling at the site was refused in 2004.

“Paston Crescent 4.1 03/3004/F – The erection of a two-storey side extension to create a new self- contained dwelling. Refused on 3/03/2004.”

“23/3959/HD - Construction of a two-storey side extension and single storey rear extension. Refused on 06/02/2024. Appeal ref. APP/E5330/D/24/3341029 allowed on 03/09/2024.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the scheme would provide a good-quality home and would not cause unacceptable harm to neighbours, appearance or highways.

“The proposed development would not cause unacceptable harm to the visual and neighbouring amenity of adjacent residential occupiers and would not have an adverse impact on the operation of the highway.”

“Officers consider that the application is acceptable in its own right as the benefits of the scheme outweigh any harm and the tilted balance has not been engaged in reaching this conclusion. In the event that Members choose to make a decision contrary to the Officer recommendation it will be necessary…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

A councillor objected on density, overcrowding, visual impact and infrastructure grounds, while no neighbouring representations were received.

“Details of Representation Summary of Comments Officer’s comments Local Ward Councillors Local Councillor Christine May objected to proposal on the following grounds:”

“Increased density • Overcrowding of the site • Visual impact on the area • Strain on local infrastructure…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Area Planning Manager gave an illustrative presentation, and no speakers attended.

Members’ consideration

Members had no questions for the applicants and were advised there would be no direct impact on adjacent properties because of distance.

“The Planning Committee accepted an illustrative presentation of the application from the Area Planning Manager (West) who also advised Member that due to distance, there would be no direct impact on adjacent properties.”

“As there were no speakers in attendance and Members had no questions for the applicants, in attendance, the Chair put the recommendation to grant planning consent to the vote with – 7 Members in favour 0 Members against 0 Members abstaining…”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted for the amended development, subject to the conditions and authority to make minor wording changes.

“That planning permission be granted for the construction of a single- storey rear extension and first-floor extension on top of the existing single storey side extension at No.57 Paston Crescent to create a new two-bedroom dwellinghouse, along with the sub-division of the garden space and construction of an outbuilding on each plot.”

“That the Assistant Director of Planning and Building Control be authorised to make any minor changes to the detailed wording of the recommended conditions as set out in the report and, where the Assistant Director of Planning and Building Control considers it appropriate, before issuing the decision notice.”

Minutes