Rear extension and boundary changes at 495 - 497 Fulham Road, London SW6

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective permission for a rear extension, a smaller ground-floor window, new boundary treatments and a covered bin store.

“Description: Partial retrospective application for the retention of: a single storey rear extension and reduction in size of 1no window at ground floor level to southern elevation of the main building; replacement of existing timber gates and timber fencing with new metal gates, brick pier and 1.8m high brick wall facing Maxwell Road (east elevation) and the installation of a louvred aluminum bin store cover. Installation of an aluminum roof cover to the bin store.”

“Application type: Full Detailed Planning Application Officer Recommendation:”

Officer report

The site

The corner site contains residential flats, lies in the Moore Park Conservation Area and is within Flood Risk Zone 3.

“SITE DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY 1.1. The application site is at a corner location on the southern side of Fulham Road at the junction with Maxwell Road. The site consists of a 4 storey plus-basement building containing three 2-bedroom flats and one 3-bedroom flat on the ground floor and basement levels. These areas have been recently converted from office uses to residential uses through a prior approval application (Ref:2023/00370/PMA56).”

“The application site lies within the Moore Park Conservation Area and does not contain any Listed Buildings or locally listed Buildings of Merit.”

Officer report

Planning history

Earlier permissions covered the building, boundary fencing, windows, residential conversion and related works, while some permissions were refused or only partly implemented.

“In 1983, a planning application (ref: 1983/00206/FUL) was approved for the erection of a part four, part three storey building plus basement comprising offices on the ground floor and basement levels and five self-contained two-bedroom flats and one self-contained one-bedroom flat on the upper floors. This permission has been implemented although there now appear to be only five two-bedroom flats.”

“In 2023, a prior approval application (ref: 2022/03460/PMA56) was refused for the conversion of the basement and ground floor level from offices (Class E) into 3 x 2-bedroom and 1 x 3-bedroom self-contained flats (Class C3).”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to a legal agreement and conditions, finding the proposal acceptable in design, amenity, transport, flood-risk and planning-obligation terms.

“Residential Amenity: The proposed development would respect the principles of good neighbourliness and maintain an acceptable relationship with the neighbouring residential properties. Subject to conditions, the proposed scheme would not have an unacceptably harmful impact on neighbouring residential amenity in terms of daylight/sunlight, outlook, privacy and noise and disturbance.”

“Transport and Highways: The site is well served by public transport, thereby offering alternative modes of transportation for local residents. It is considered that the scheme would not have a significant undue impact on the highway network, road safety and conditions or local on-street car parking demands. Satisfactory provision would be made for cycle parking, and a legal agreement is secured to the procurement and installation of an on-street cycle hangar.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A presenter provided a presentation, and there were no registered speakers.

Committee discussion

Members raised concerns about retrospective development and agreed that it should be minimised whenever possible.

“During the course of discussions, the Committee raised concerns about retrospective development and agreed that this should be minimised whenever possible.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee authorised approval after a satisfactory legal agreement, subject to the listed conditions and delegated authority for minor changes.

“That the Director of Planning and Property be authorised to grant planning permission upon the completion of a satisfactory legal agreement and subject to the conditions listed in the report.”

“That the Director of Planning and Property, after consultation with the Assistant Director of Legal Services and the Chair of the Planning and Development Control Committee be authorised to make any minor changes to the proposed Heads of Terms of the legal agreement or proposed conditions, which may include the variation, addition or deletion of conditions, any such changes shall be within their discretion.”

Minutes