Home extensions and loft conversion at 120 Scott Road, Great Barr, Birmingham

What was proposed

The application proposed rear and side extensions, a loft conversion with rear dormer, and additional living space and bedrooms.

“The applicant is proposing to construct a single-storey rear extension, a first- floor side extension and a rear dormer window.”

“The rear extension would have a depth of 3.0m, a width of 10.4m and a height of 3.6m. The first-floor side extension would have a depth of 4.2m, a width of 4.0m and a height of 6.9m. Initial plans submitted for the dormer window show a depth of 4.0m, a width of 7.0m and a height of 2.7m. Amended plans for the dormer window show a reduced depth of 3.4m, a width of 5.0m and a height of 2.5m.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The site is a semi-detached dwelling in a residential area, with permission granted for a first-floor side extension in 2002.

“This application relates to a semi-detached dwelling situated on the north side of Scott Road. The character of the area is residential with semi-detached dwellings of a variety of designs. A number of nearby dwellings have existing extensions and alterations, including the applicant’s property. The street- scene along Scott Road slopes upwards from east to west.”

“Planning permission was granted for a first-floor side extension in 2002. A full list of the planning history is provided below: DC/01/38331 First floor bedroom extension. Refused 03/12/2001 DC/02/39665 First floor side extension (re- submission of refused application DC/01/38331) Approved 28/10/2002”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

The extensions were considered well designed, proportionate and unlikely to cause significant harm to neighbouring amenity or visual character.

“Amenity concerns – loss of light, outlook and privacy. The proposed extensions and alterations would be located towards the rear of the property and have been designed to minimise amenity impacts on neighbouring properties.”

“Design concerns – appearance and scale Initial plans showed a rear dormer which was considered unacceptable in scale and appearance, and which would correspond poorly with the proposed first floor side extension. Amended plans were submitted, reducing the dimensions of the dormer to that described in paragraph 6.2 which is now considered to be proportionate in scale and massing to the rear elevation. This would ensure the appearance would be acceptable.”

Officer report

What people objected to

Objectors raised concerns about privacy, light, construction noise, overdevelopment, appearance and the development’s effect on the area’s character.

“Non-material objections have been raised regarding drainage concerns due to additional bathrooms, impact on property values, and impact on privacy due to construction.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant was absent, while objectors attended and raised concerns about scale, privacy, light and the area’s character.

What members considered

Members recognised the objections but considered there were no material planning reasons for refusal and that the smaller dormer was suitable.

“The Development Planning Manager highlighted that the separation distance was 34 metres which exceeded the 27-metre requirement. It was noted that one of the windows created would be obscured, with an additional window serving an additional bedroom. This window would not be obscured but would be fitting for the type of development proposed.”

“Members appreciated the concerns of the objectors however, they considered that there were no material planning concerns to warrant refusal and that the scaled down dormer was appropriate in relation to the size of the roof. As such, members were minded to approve the application, subject to the conditions recommended by the Executive Director-Place.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to approval of external materials.

“Resolved that Planning Application DC/25/71117 – 120 Scott Road, Great Barr B43 6JU (Proposed single storey rear extension, first floor side extension, and loft conversion with dormer to the rear) is approved subject to approval of external materials.”

Minutes