Large house extension at 155 Swakeleys Road, Ickenham

What was proposed

The application proposed extensions, a porch, roof conversion with a dormer and roof lights, chimney removal, and conversion of the garage into living space.

“Proposal: Erection of a part single storey, part two storey rear extension, a first-floor side extension, and front porch following demolition of existing porch and conservatory. Conversion of roof space into habitable use to include a rear dormer, 1 rear facing roof light and 1 x front facing roof light. Removal of two existing chimneys. Conversion of garage to habitable use including amendments to fenestration.”

“Planning permission is sought for the erection of a part single storey, part two storey rear extension, a first-floor side extension, and a front porch following demolition of the existing porch and rear conservatory. It is also proposed to convert the roof space into habitable use to include a rear dormer, one rear facing roof light and one front facing roof light, and to remove two existing chimneys.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a detached house in a residential area, beside neighbouring homes, a pedestrian route, a protected tree area and a surface-water flood-mapped road.

“153 Swakeleys Road is located along the eastern site boundary. A pedestrian route is located along the western site boundary, beyond which is located 157 Swakele ys Road. To the south, the rear of the site backs onto the rear garden of…”

“The application site is located within Tree Preservation Order 299. The road in front of the property is located within the Flood Map for Surface Water, as identified in the Surface Water Mana gement Plan (SWMP) for Hillingdon.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

A similar development was approved in 2021 but was not started by the required date, so that permission lapsed and this application was submitted.

“20345/APP/2021/1037 - Part two storey, part single storey side/rear extension, conversion of roof space to habitable use to include a rear dormer and 3 rooflights and conversion of garage to habitable use with alterations to front elevation - Approved on 5 August 2021.”

“Significantly, the current planning application is the same size, scale and design as the development approved under Planning Permission ref: 20345/APP/2021/1037 (dated 5 August 2021). This permission required the approved development to have commenced by 5 August 2024. The development has not commenced, contrary to this condition. Consequently, this application has been submitted seekin g a new planning permission.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the proposal complied with planning policies and would not cause significant harm to the property, street scene, neighbours or highway safety.

“The proposed development is considered to comply with the objectives of the relevant planning policies and the proposal would not give rise to any significant harm to the character and appearance of the application property or to the character and appearance of the immediate street scene and surroundin g area.”

“A significant material consideration is planning permission ref. 20345/APP/2021/1037 that was granted on 5 August 2021 for the same proposal. The timescale for commencing this development was before 5 August 2024 as required by Condition 1. Consequently, this planning permission has lapsed, hence the submission of this application under consideration. The submitted drawings are the same to this lapsed permission, and the relevant planning policies remain the same.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The highways officer raised no objection, and the trees officer accepted removing the Lawson Cypress tree.

“The removal of the existing tree (T5 – Lawson Cypress) is acceptable.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A petitioner opposed the application, while the applicant’s representative supported it as a respectful improvement for a growing family.

Members’ discussion

Officers said the development cleared the 45-degree line and that policies and site circumstances had not changed since the 2021 approval.

“Officers clarified several points raised in the petition and by the applicant. In terms of the light impact assessment, officers explained that the development cleared the 45° line from neighbouring windows, making it acceptable without needing further sun/day light assessments. It was also noted that planning permission had already been granted for the same development in 2021 and there had been no changes in planning policies or site circumstances since then.”

“Although Members empathised with the concerns raised by the petitioner, it was noted that this application had been approved previously and the Committee had limited options to refuse it. The officers’ recommendation was therefore moved, seconded, and when put to a vote, was unanimously agreed.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved in accordance with the officer recommendation.

“RESOLVED: That the application be approved as per officer recommendation.”

Minutes