Two-storey side extension at 13 Upper Park, Harlow

What was proposed

Planning permission was sought for a two-storey side extension providing two additional bedrooms and six bedrooms in total.

“Planning permission is sought for a two-storey side extension, measuring 3.9 metres in width, 6.8 metre in height and 9 metres in depth. It would project 3 metres beyond the main rear elevation wall of the dwelling, with a further 1.5-metre-deep ground floor addition.”

“The proposal would provide an additional two bedrooms, taking the total within the property to six.”

Officer report

The site

The property is an end-of-terrace dwelling in a residential cul-de-sac, beside a home, hospital land, Green Finger land and protected trees.

“The application site relates to 13 Upper Park, an end-of-terrace dwelling located towards the end of a cul-de-sac within a residential area of the Little Parndon and Town Centre ward. It shares a boundary to the west with No. Princess Alexandra Hospital lies to the east. To the south of the dwelling is land designated as Green Finger, and there are several trees along the eastern boundary protected by TPO Order 92/10.”

“The property is not located within a conservation area, nor within the setting of listed buildings.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers considered the proposal acceptable for design, residential amenity, trees, landscaping, parking and highways, and recommended approval.

“The proposal is considered acceptable in terms of character and appearance, residential amenity, tree/Green Infrastructure/landscaping impact and parking/highways considerations. It complies with the relevant policies within the Local Plan and supplementary documents and is recommended for approval accordingly.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

The tree officer supported the proposal after an arboricultural assessment, while three objections raised design, tree, parking and highway safety concerns.

“Design: clear intention to create two separate dwellings; neighbouring properties share similar character • Trees: application site is adjacent to trees and should be supported by arboricultural assessment • Parking: loss of garage will exacerbate local parking stress; set precedence; highway safety…”

“Officer Comment: The issues raised within these representations, including impact to the character and appearance of the area; trees and parking/highway safety, will be discussed further under the appropriate sections of this report. The application has also been subject to negotiation between the case officer and agent, with the two proposed side entrances removed and creating a set back from the principal elevation to maintain/accommodate off- street parking.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant and two supporters addressed the committee.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out for the development.

“RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions in the report.”

Minutes