House extension and outbuilding at 66 Leicester Road, Hinckley

What was proposed

The application proposed a three-storey rear extension, loft conversion, new frontage, electric gates, an outbuilding and internal alterations.

“Proposal: Two storey rear extension above existing single storey extension, loft conversion, new front wall with electric gates, erection of an outbuilding and internal alterations (revised scheme of 25/00510/HOU).”

“The proposal includes a two storey rear extension on top of an existing single storey rear extension creating a three storey extension in total. This part of the extension is proposed to have a width of 8.6m and depth of 8.7m. The roof would be an asymmetric design with a ridge height of 9.86m and the eaves height would be 6.2m to the new front elevation and 8.2m to the new rear elevation.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contains a detached four-bedroom house on a large plot, within an area of mainly two-storey homes with varied designs.

“66 Leicester Road is a detached, two-storey, four-bedroom property constructed of red brick with white rendering. The house features an L-shaped layout, with a single storey protrusion to the north. The roof is fully hipped with the exception of two feature gables on the existing side elevation. The property features window and door openings on all elevations, all constructed in white uPVC.”

“The house occupies a large plot. As discussed above, the front elevation currently faces south as opposed to east onto Leicester Road from which there are two vehicular access points. There is a detached garage to the north of the dwelling with a parking area to the front. The properties gardens wrap around the entire dwelling.”

Officer report

The main planning issue

The extension was considered acceptable for residential amenity, parking and highway safety, but harmful in design terms.

“Design and impact upon the character of the area • Impact upon residential amenity • Impact upon parking provision and highway safety…”

“According to the Leicestershire Highway Design Guide (LHDG), table (28) states that a minimum of three off street parking spaces are required for a seven-bedroom dwelling. The existing property includes a single garage, which will be retained, and parking spaces which can comfortably accommodate more than three parking spaces. Therefore, the proposed development is not considered to result in any harm or adverse impact on parking provision or highway safety.”

Officer report

What people said

One objection concerned the proposed side extension’s height, privacy impacts and loss of light; no consultees were listed.

“The application has been publicised by sending out letters to local residents.”

“One objection has been received, raising concerns about the height of the proposed side extension and its resulting impacts on privacy and loss of light.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke to the committee about the application.

The committee vote

Members voted for a motion to grant permission despite the officer recommendation to refuse.

“Notwithstanding the officer’s recommendation that permission be refused, it was moved by Councillor S Gibbens and seconded by Councillor Hodgkins that permission be granted with drafting of conditions delegated to officers. Upon being put to the vote, the motion was CARRIED and it was…”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted, with authority given to officers to agree the conditions.

“(ii) The Assistant Director Planning & Regeneration be granted delegated authority to agree the conditions.”

Minutes