Studio flat conversion at Development at 76 Wanstead Lane, Cranbrook, Ilford

“Details of Development Single storey side extension to existing detached rear outbuilding. Increase roof height and installation of three skylights. Erection of a 1.7m and 1m rear / side boundary wall. Conversion of outbuilding into 1no. (1 x 1 bedroom) self-contained studio flat with associated landscaping works, waste / refuse storage and amenity space. (Summary)”

“The surrounding area is residential in character with a variety of styles along Wanstead Lane and Devonport Gardens, comprising a mixture of pairs of two-storey semi-detached properties and rows of two storey terraces with gable front features and bay windows with hipped or gable roof forms. The site shares a common boundary with residential properties no. Devonport Gardens to the north and no. Wanstead Lane to the west.”

“No. Wanstead Lane (which forms a pair with the application site) is located west of the application site and shares side boundary with the application site. No. 78 benefits from a hardstanding area with canopy/veranda style cover over located in its rear garden adjacent to the existing outbuilding subject of the application before you.”

“4616/21 - Single storey rear extension. Granted with conditions 12.01.2022. • 2877/22 - Use as small HMO for up to 6 people. (summary). Certificate of Lawfulness (Existing). Lawful 26.09.2022. • 1284/10 - Two storey side extension. Granted with conditions 29.07.2010. • 2718/05 - Two storey side extension. Granted with conditions 28.10.2005. • PL/0397/90 – Dining Room and Shower Room Extension. Granted with conditions 25.04.1990. • PL/IL0146/48 - Garage.”

“The proposal would make an effective use of the rear of the site, and would contribute housing stock within the borough without compromising amenity of the neighbouring residents.”

“The proposal represents loss of land that should be retained as private domestic garden space; whilst the applicant states the garden is fully hard-surfaced, the land remains designated This matter is discussed below under section 17. In summary, there is no requirement for BNG here as the proposal is exempt. Furthermore, in this instance, the…”

“Increase in parking stress and congestion. The submitted Parking Stress Survey has recorded the average parking stress during peak evening hours, but not provided a stress survey for peak daytime hours. The surrounding streets are already heavily congested during the day with commuters parking their cars.”

“Providing the appropriate assessment concludes that the measures can be secured, it is likely that Natural England will be satisfied that there will be no adverse effect on the integrity of the European Site(s) (habitats site(s)) in relation to recreational disturbance. An appropriate Habitat Regulation Assessment (HRA) has been carried out.”

“Environmental Health (Contamination Lead) Comments that the site does not have any former contaminative land-uses. No land contamination condition will be required for this proposed development.”

“Whilst all development will have some impact in terms of light, officers have carried out a 45-degree light test which demonstrates that the bay window at no. 1 will not be unduly affected by the extended building (height and depth). Similarly, whilst there would be a degree of impact on outlook, it would not be to such an extend as to justify refusal given the width of the bay window..”

“Given the above, there will be no unacceptable impact to no. 78 terms outlook, increased sense of enclosure, privacy, light, or noise and disturbance. The Google image below shows the site in relation to no. Wanstead Lane and No. Devonport Gardens:”

“Resolved: That we agree (i) the Director of Planning and Building Control be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the conditions set out below:-”