Raised patio and balcony at 77 Trafalgar Road, Birkdale

“Proposal: Erection of a raised patio area, balcony and covered patio area to the rear of the dwellinghouse.”

“The application seeks permission to extend the existing raised patio area and erect a covered patio area with balcony over to the south east of the rear elevation.”

“The site is located in a Primarily Residential Area.”

“The application site is an individual design detached two storey dwelling situated in a large plot on the northeast side of Trafalgar Road. The site is currently being extended following approval of recent application DC/2014/01014 noted below.”

“DC/2024/01014 Remodelling of existing dwelling, addition of a first floor extension to the side, extension to the rear at first floor level, a single-storey rear extension with a raised patio area. Incorporating Juliet balconies at the rear, alterations to the existing garage / elevations, replacement of the front boundary wall with railings over, 2 sets of gates, new vehicular access and paving to the front of the dwelling house.”

“DC/2022/01457 Two storey side extension, single storey extension, raised patio area and dormer extensions/Juliet balconies to the rear and raising the roof height, alterations to the existing garage/elevations, replacement front boundary wall with railings over, 2 sets of gates, new vehicular access and paving to the front of the dwellinghouse. Approved January 2023.”

“The proposed extended raised patio area extends around 1.7m to the rear of the covered patio/balcony. This links with the raised patio area approved under the 2014 permission and is raised around 0.8m above rear garden level. The side wall to this extended patio varies in height and in part would allow sideways overlooking in the rear garden area of No.79.”

“While there may not be other first floor balconies to properties in the area this does not preclude this proposed balcony being considered and treated on its merits – as addressed above it isn’t considered the proposed balcony would result in any significant harm to neighbouring properties or the character of the area. The proposal therefore complies with Policy EQ2.”

“Four neighbours were notified by letter on 1/8/2025 and renotified of amended plans on 24/9/2025.”

“Impact on privacy from proposed balcony - exacerbated by difference in land levels and angled joint boundary. • Impact on outlook from kitchen/gym – would be dominated by a solid brick/render wall over 2 storeys high. • No other similar balconies in area – would set a precedent. • Balcony is inappropriate in scale, location & impact - already significantly extended and has other outdoor spaces – balcony seems excessive.”

“2) The proposed screen wall to the balcony adjacent to no. 79 indicated on plan refs 06 Rev B and 07 Rev B shall be erected prior to first use of the balcony and must remain for the duration of the use of the balcony hereby approved.”

“3) Within 1 month of the date of this decision, full details of an obscure screen to extend the height of the existing wall to the southeast edge of the extended raised patio area to a minimum height of 1.7m (measured from the patio floor level) shall be submitted to and approved by the local planning authority. The screen shall be completed prior to the first use of the extended raised patio area and shall be permanently retained in that condition thereafter.”

“The Committee considered the report of the Chief Planning Officer recommending that the above application for the erection of a raised patio area, balcony and covered patio area to the rear of the dwellinghouse be granted subject to the conditions and for the reasons stated or referred to in the report.”

“That the recommendation be approved and the application be granted subject to the conditions and for the reasons stated or referred to in the report and in Late Representations and subject to the Chief Planning Officer in consultation with the Vice Chair clarifying issues around privacy caused by the proposed balcony and around the boundary wall.”