Front porch at 3 Bolebec Avenue, Eagle Farm South, Milton Keynes

What was proposed

A single-storey, flat-roofed porch measuring approximately 2.7 metres wide, 1.6 metres deep and 2.85 metres high was proposed.

“The proposal (to be read in conjunction with the plans pack)”

“It is proposed to erect a flat-roofed front porch of approximately 2.7m width, 1.6m depth and 2.85m height, protruding just beyond the existing dwarf wall. The porch is single-storey, cuboid in nature and constructed with matching brickwork and grey GRP roofing.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The property is a two-and-a-half-storey semi-detached home in a symmetrical pair, with a front garden, rear garden, garage and two parking spaces.

“The site comprises a two-and-a-half-storey, semi-detached dwelling that forms part of a symmetrical pair on Bolebec Avenue, in the new residential area of Eagle Farm South. This area is characterised by repeating patterns of largely symmetrical 2 or 2.5 storey dwellings and occasional small block of flats up to 3 storeys. Dwellings on either side of the street are consistently minimally set back such that the visual perception of the building line is emphasised.”

“The property possesses a small area of landscaped front garden in which a low brick wall is located, along with a larger rear garden which contains a small outbuilding. Additionally, a freestanding single garage is located on the northern side of the site, with associated hardstanding providing two off-street parking spaces.”

Officer report

Earlier application

A certificate application for a proposed single-storey rear extension was refused in November 2025 because it did not meet all permitted development criteria.

“PLN/2025/2395 Certificate of Lawfulness for proposed single storey rear extension. Refused November 2025 as the proposal did not comply with all the relevant criteria set out Permitted Development Rights.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended refusal because the porch would be excessively bulky and prominent, harming the street scene and failing design policies.

“The design of dwellings in the street is restrained, with door canopies providing the main point of articulation on front elevations. Replacing this with a box‑like porch would remove an established design cue and introduce a form that sits awkwardly against the host dwelling.”

“Overall, whilst a small-scale development in overall terms, the proposal would result in an excessively bulky forward projection that disrupts the established character of the street scene and would feature prominently in the locality as an unsympathetic and disorderly addition. As such, the proposal does not comply with policies D1, D2 and D3 of Plan:MK.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Graduate Planner introduced the application, and the applicant’s representative spoke in favour, challenging the assessment and citing nearby porches and matching materials.

The committee’s debate

Members discussed possible street-scene harm, whether a smaller design could work, wind reduction, energy saving, usefulness and precedent.

“Councillor Montague noted concerns that the proposal could be intrusive on the street scene but indicated that a modified design within the boundary of the existing dwarf wall would be acceptable. • Councillor Eaton suggested that the porch would help to mitigate prevailing wind and would therefore be a positive energy-saving measure. • Councillor McLean commented that the proposal may disrupt the street scene and character of the area.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted, with the final wording of conditions delegated to the Head of Planning and the committee’s Chair and Vice Chairs.

“RESOLVED: That permission be granted, with the final wording of conditions delegated to the Head of Planning, in conjunction with the Chair and Vice Chairs of the Planning Committee. The Chair closed the meeting at 20:19.”

Minutes