Two-storey home extension at 25 Markenfield Road, Guildford

What was proposed

The application proposed a two-storey side and rear extension, loft conversion, enlarged basement courtyard, glazed light well, outbuilding and boundary wall.

“Location: Markenfield Road, Guildford, GU1 4PB Proposal: Proposed two storey side/rear extension, loft conversion, enlargement of the existing basement courtyard complete with glazed light well and erection of a single storey outbuilding with boundary wall (amended plans received 13 March 2025).”

“Planning permission is sought for the erection of a two storey side/rear extension, loft conversion, enlargement of the existing basement courtyard complete with glazed light well and erection of a single storey outbuilding with boundary wall.”

Officer report

The site

The site was a two-storey semi-detached home in an urban residential area, surrounded by semi-detached and terraced homes.

“The application relates to a two-storey semi-detached property located within the urban area of Guildford. The property is located on the southern side of Markenfield Road which is a predominantly residential area. Surrounding properties are a mix of semi-detached and terrace dwellings, traditional in their scale and appearance and they typically have a high degree of symmetry.”

Officer report

Earlier decisions and review

An earlier approval was quashed after a judicial review concerning inaccurate plans and the relationship between the neighbouring properties.

“In November 2023, the neighbours claim for judicial review was initially refused. However, a renewed application was made on the basis that some of the application plans submitted were inaccurate, and in particular that the plans failed to identify that the original walls of no. 24 and 25 Markenfield Road are not in line. This off set in turn affected the application of the 45 degree rule contained within the Council’s Residential Extensions SPD.”

“Bearing in mind the correct relationship between the properties, the degree of exceedance of the 45 degree line may have resulted in a situation where there was some harm caused to the neighbouring property. This was against the advice contained within the original report to the Committee.”

Officer report

Who spoke

There were no public speakers, and the committee received a presentation from the Senior Planning Officer.

What members discussed

Members discussed the modern extension, its greater bulk, privacy, effects on number 24’s courtyard and the earlier judicial review.

“It was noted that although this would be a modern extension in appearance, and have a greater bulk and mass, overall, it would not have a harmful impact on the surrounding area. It was acknowledged that there would be some impact on the courtyard area of number 24; however officers did not feel that this was significant enough to warrant a refusal.”

“The Committee asked for clarification on the Judicial Review of the decision to approve planning permission for this application on 19 July 2023. It was explained that there was a Judicial Review for a procedural matter which related to the accuracy of the plan and the Council agreed a consent order and the original…”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application subject to the conditions and reasons set out for the development.

“The Chairperson, Councillor Vanessa King moved the motion to approve application 23/P/00671 and Councillor Joanne Shaw seconded the motion which was carried.”

“RESOLVED: That application 23/P/00671 be approved subject to the conditions and reasons as detailed in the report.”

Minutes