Garage conversion and porch at 8 Kiln Way, Northwood

What was proposed

The application proposed converting part of the attached garage, adding a front porch and two side windows, while retaining the garage doors.

“Planning permission is sought for the conversion of the existing front attached garage to a habitable use, a front porch extension, two proposed side windows and the retention of the existing garage doors on the front elevation.”

“The proposed front porch extension would infill between the existing entrance and the front elevation of the existing lounge. The proposed front porch extension would be set back 2.65m from the front elevation of the garage.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a detached dwelling in a residential area, with neighbouring homes around it and a conservation area nearby.

“The surrounding area is residential in character comprising of two-storey detached dwellinghouses of a similar style and age to the application property. The site lies within the Developed Area as identified within the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part Two - Saved UDP Policies (November 2012).”

“The application site is not designated within a Conservation Area. However, the Northwood, Frithwood Conservation Area is located to the north, west and south of the application site, as designated in the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part Two - Saved UDP Policies (November 2012).”

Officer report

Earlier planning decisions

Part of the garage was approved for conversion in 1994, and rear extensions were approved in 2013.

“48867/A/94/0290 - Conversion of part of integral garage to a habitable room – Approved on 27-05-94. The part conversion was to provide a study. There were no changes proposed to the front elevation. The existing plans indicate that the garage is currently used as a garage and a store.”

“48867/APP/2013/2128 - Single storey rear extension and first floor rear extension – Approved on 24-09-13.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the amended proposal would preserve the property’s appearance, protect neighbours’ amenity and retain acceptable parking.

“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 surrounding area.”

“The proposal would have an acceptable impact on neighbouring residential amenity and would not adversely affect highway safety, or cause harm in other respects.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Ten objections and a petition were received, mainly concerning the street scene, garage-door consistency, earlier refusals and parking.

“Planning Officer Response A petition of 22 valid signatures has been received against the application. This would adversely alter the street scene as all other houses have the same brown garage doors at the front of the building. So to change that by replacing those with windows would end the consistency of the area.”

“Amended plans were received during the course of the application, retaining the existing garage doors on the front elevation and retaining part of the garage for non -habitable use/parking.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Officers introduced the application, while the petitioner, the applicant and the agent were absent.

Members’ discussion

Members were advised that amendments to the scheme had addressed the issues raised in the petition.

“Members were advised that the issues raised in the petition had been addressed through amendments made to the scheme during the application process.”

Minutes

The vote

The officer recommendation was moved, seconded and unanimously approved.

“The officer recommendation was moved, seconded and, upon being put to the vote, was unanimously approved.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved in accordance with the officer recommendation.

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

Minutes