4m rear extension at 64 Little Grove Field, Harlow

The proposed extension

The application proposed a single-storey, flat-roofed rear extension measuring about 4 metres deep and providing a bathroom and larger living area.

“The application property is a two-storey mid-terrace house, located on the western side of Little Grove Field, CM19. A single storey outbuilding is located along the rear boundary of the application site.”

“The proposed development seeks to provide a single storey flat roofed rear extension having a depth of some 4m, having a height of some 3m and extending across the entire rear wall of the dwelling. Roof lights are proposed within the flat roof of the proposed extension which would have a maximum height of some 3.285 from the ground level.”

Officer report

The site

The property is a two-storey mid-terrace house with an existing rear extension, a long garden and a rear outbuilding.

“The property benefits from an existing single storey rear extension set within a long rear garden. The site is not located within a conservation area, and does not contain a listed building.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier applications concerned an open-front parking area and a 6-metre-deep single-storey rear extension.

“App Number Proposal Status Decision Date HW/DK/19/90004 Application for Open Front Parking DKA 19.03.2019”

“HW/PALHE/25/00 185 Construction of a single storey rear extension (6m deep) WDN 04.06.2025”

Officer report

Officers recommended approval

Officers considered the proposal acceptable because it would not cause unacceptable harm to appearance, neighbouring amenity, parking or highway safety.

“Policies IN2 and IN3 of the Harlow Local Development Plan 2020 indicate that development should not have an unacceptable impact on highway safety and congestion and be in accordance with the Essex Parking Standards 2009.”

“The proposal would not result in unacceptable long-term impacts to parking or highway safety, in compliance with policies IN2 & IN3 of the HLDP and the Essex Parking Standards 2009.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Three objections raised concerns about parking, loss of light, noise, garden space, possible occupation and the accuracy of the plans.

“Has concerns that this neighbour might have plans to move out and leave this property as a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO).”

“The proposal would reduce the garden space.”

Officer report

Responses to concerns

The application did not propose an HMO or extra bedrooms, and construction hours could be controlled by a condition.

“Matters regarding development that has already taken place and does not require planning permission is not a matter of consideration in determination of this application. E.g. outbuilding, loft conversion (with an incorporation of a rooflight) etc. do not attract planning consent and such works can be carried out under permitted development.”

“Noise and disruption during construction works are matters that are dealt under separate legislation. However, a condition can be attached to any consent granted regarding the acceptable construction hours.”

Officer report

Objectors spoke

Three objectors addressed the committee.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to the conditions in the report.

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

Minutes

Permission conditions

The conditions covered the time limit, matching materials, construction hours and compliance with the approved plans.

“Acceptable construction hours are between 8:00 to 18:00 on Mondays to Fridays and 8.00 and 13.00 on Saturdays. No construction work should take place or plant operated outside these hours. REASON: In the interests of neighbouring amenity, in accordance with policy PL2 of the Harlow Local Development Plan, December 2020.”

“The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the approved plans as shown listed in the table below.”

Officer report