Loft conversion with dormer at 60 Western Road, Wolverton, Milton Keynes

What was proposed

The application proposed converting the loft into an additional bedroom, with a rear flat-roofed dormer and rooflight.

“It is intended to covert the loft space to an additional bedroom. To facilitate this, it is proposed to erect a flat-roofed dormer on the rear roof slope to serve a stairwell to this space.”

“Although the Article 4 Direction only restricts permitted development rights on the front elevation, as the dwelling is located within the conservation area the dormer could not be achieved in any event. A rooflight is also proposed on the rear roof slope to serve the bedroom. However, as the Article 4 Direction does not restrict development on the rear elevation, this could be achieved under permitted development rights.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is a Victorian two-storey mid-terrace dwelling in Wolverton Conservation Area, with no allocated off-street parking and a rear access road.

“The site comprises a red brick two-storey, Victorian mid-terrace dwelling located on Western Road in the residential area of Wolverton. The dwelling is currently a three-bed property, with no allocated off-street parking available.”

“The site is bordered by an unadopted access road to the rear of the property and is located within the Wolverton Conservation Area. The property is subject to an Article 4 Direction which removes permitted development rights for extensions or alterations to elevations fronting a road (including side elevations on corner properties), the creation of hard surfaces, and removal and replacement of walls at the front.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

There was no relevant planning history, and the property did not appear to have been extended under permitted development rights.

“There is no relevant planning history, and the property does not appear to have been extended under permitted development rights.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the amended dormer would be modest, preserve the roofline’s uniformity and avoid unacceptable harm to neighbours.

“Whilst it would disrupt the prevailing uninterrupted roof slope character of the area, due to the reasons above, and as a similar scaled dormer has previously been approved on No. Western Road, it is not considered that the dormer proposed would result in significant harm. The proposal would be contained below the existing ridgeline and therefore, retaining uniformity of the terraced row.”

“In conclusion, although the dormer would disrupt the uninterrupted roof slope, due to its modest scale and as there are similar dormers within the immediate area it is not considered to cause unacceptable harm to the character or appearance of the Conservation Area. The proposed development is not considered to introduce an outlook that would adversely harm neighbouring properties and is considered to be of a modest scale that would not further harm residential amenity.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council raised no objection, while the conservation objection to the original design was overcome after amendments.

“Following amendments, the objection is overcome.”

Officer report

Who spoke

No speakers were registered for the application.

Members’ discussion

Members asked about nearby dormers, earlier approvals, enforcement action and whether rear elevations were significant in the conservation area appraisal.

“PLN/2025/1611 - 60 Western Road, Wolverton As this time, Councillor McLean rejoined the meeting. Hannah Hayward Planning Officer introduced the application. As part of the presentation, site location plans, photographs of the property and surrounding buildings, proposed elevations and floor plans were provided. Members were advised that the dormer was designed to sit below the ridge line and was considered to have no harmful impact on the…”

“Wolverton Conservation Area or neighboring properties and that the recommendation was for approval. No speakers were registered for this item. A member sought clarification on the photographs of neighbouring properties, inquiring why this choice of dormer was prevalent, whilst larger and higher dormers had been approved previously.”

Minutes

The final decision

Planning permission was granted subject to the conditions set out in the main report.

“RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the main report.”

Minutes