Two-storey side extension at 6 Knoll Close, Fleet

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the garage, building side and rear extensions, adding a replacement garage, solar panels, roof lights and a Juliet balcony.

“Application Reference: 25/00730/HOU Address: Knoll Close, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 4PP Description of Proposal: Demolition of garage and erection of a two storey side extension (to include replacement garage) and juliette balcony to rear elevation. Single storey rear extension and installation of solar panels and roof lights. Applicant: [the applicant] for comments: 18/07/2025 Expiry date: 04/08/2025 EOT: 19/09/2025 Recommendation: Grant subject to conditions…”

“Following the pre-application advice, the applicant has made the following amendments: • Rear projections reduced by approximately 45cm, lessening the bulk. • Additional ground floor windows to the west elevation, improving visual interest and reducing blank façades. • Eaves height of the rear gable lowered, and a hipped roof incorporated into the two-storey side and rear elements, to reduce massing and improve subservience.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a detached home in an irregular plot, with a flat-roof garage, tile hanging, facing brickwork and protected rear-garden trees.

“Knoll Close is a detached dwelling in an irregular shaped plot. The plot has a flat roof garage to the north and a forward two storey gable projection. The materials consist of tile hanging and facing brickwork. Trees protected by Tree Preservation Order are located in the rear garden.”

Officer report

Earlier advice and applications

Pre-application advice sought a smaller, lower and more subservient design, after which the applicant reduced projections and roof height and added a hipped roof.

“The pre-application advice recommended • The introduction of subservience to reduce visual dominance and improve integration with the existing building. • To comply with Neighbourhood Plan Policy 10 a reduction to the overall length of the extension; Lowered the roof height to reduce bulk; incorporated a hipped roof to soften the visual impact. • Further details required in respect of appearance and material for the proposed cladding.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Fleet Town Council objected over bulk, street scene, parking, soft landscaping and materials, while ecology officers raised no objection to the proposal.

“Consultee Comments Fleet Town Council: There is an extensive objection from a near neighbour primarily in defence of the impacts on the adjoining neighbour at No.7 The primary issues are bulk and mass and the impact on street scene and neighbours. Garage does not count as parking space so 4 parking spaces required to the front of the property ' would result in a loss of soft landscaping which would breach Fleet Neighbourhood Plan Policy 19.”

“The property appears to be of modern (post 1960s) construction, located in a suburban setting, and is unlikely to have features suitable for bats. The proposals are unlikely to impact on bats and on this basis I have no objection to this application. If permission is granted and a bat is subsequently discovered, works should stop immediately and Natural England should be contacted. Further survey and / or licensing may then be required for the works to proceed.”

Officer report

What residents said

Objections concerned overbearing development, loss of light, overlooking, parking, design, trees, drainage, construction disturbance and structural safety.

“Impact on Neighbouring Properties (No. Knoll Close): • Overbearing scale, height, and forward projection negatively affect visual amenity, especially from the conservatory. • Loss of natural light to side windows; concerns over right to light. • Juliet balcony introduces overlooking issues. • Not in keeping with neighbouring property sizes; constitutes overdevelopment. • Disrupts architectural rhythm and spacing within Knoll Close.”

“Design and Character: • Scale and design are incongruous with local character and residential amenity. • Significant alteration to the property’s character. • Contradicts pre-application advice. • Fence above 4ft wall not included in application. • Inaccurate boundary line between Nos. 5 and 6. • Relevant policies: NBE9(a), GEN1(i), FNP19 Policy 10 (1, 2, 3). Environmental and Structural Concerns: • Retaining wall between Nos.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector addressed the committee by video message, an objector’s statement was read out, and the applicant spoke in support.

What members discussed

Members asked about tree protection, obscured glazing, parking, plan accuracy, drainage, ground levels, construction access and planting a hedge.

“the protection of neighbours’ trees during the construction works • whether obscured glazing was going to be used on any windows facing 7 Knoll Close • parking spaces at the property…”

“the accuracy of the plans • whether there was a drainage plan for the proposed building works • the ground levels in respect of neighbouring properties in relation to 6 Knoll Close…”

Minutes

The vote

A motion to grant planning permission subject to conditions was proposed, seconded and agreed unanimously.

“The recommendation to grant planning permission, subject to conditions, was proposed by Cllr Quarterman and seconded by Cllr Wildsmith and agreed unanimously.”

Minutes