Outbuilding and loft conversion at 34 North Street, Melbourne, Derby

What was proposed

The application sought to convert an outbuilding, build a link extension and add a dormer loft conversion for extra bedrooms and living space.

“Proposal: The conversion of an outbuilding, the erection of a link extension and dormer loft conversion Ward: Melbourne Reason for committee determination This item is presented at Committee at the request of Councillor Gotheridge due to concerns raised by neighbours to the site.”

“The site is within the defined settlement boundary of Melbourne and shown on the Settlement Boundary Maps under Appendix A of the LP2. The site is not within a Conservation Area. The proposal Permission is sought for the conversion of the outbuilding to the rear into living accommodation, an infill link extension, loft extension to add more living space with a dormer and alterations to the fenestration.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a semi-detached two-storey dwelling with rear outbuildings and side hardstanding that can provide off-street parking.

“North Street, Melbourne (the site) is a semi detached two storey dwelling built of red brick and tiled roof. The property has a number outbuildings to the rear of the main dwelling, which extend up to the rear boundary of the plot. There is hardstanding to the side of the property which can be used for off street parking. There is no garden associated with the property as such, although there is a small yard to the rear side of the outbuilding.”

“The character of the surrounding area is mainly of terraced and semi detached two storey properties built of red brick and render and built on the pavement with no off street parking. There are few properties which are detached set back from the road and are one and two storey dwellings.”

Officer report

Planning history

No relevant planning history was identified for the site.

“Relevant planning history No relevant planning history Responses to consultations and publicity Melbourne Parish Council - Objects due to the inadequate off street car parking when North street is already one of the most congested streets as far as parking on street is concerned with cars parking half on and half off the pavements already.”

Officer report

Officer assessment

Officers considered the extensions acceptable in design, scale, neighbour amenity and highway terms, with amended windows, obscure glazing and three parking spaces.

“On the first floor the proposals add an additional opening, to allow three windows to serve 2 bedrooms and an ensuite. Due to the layout of the property with the immediate neighbour to the north-west these would have direct views over the rear garden and could result in overlooking and loss of privacy.”

“The proposal has been found to be acceptable in terms of design and scale. Whilst there will be some loss of amenity to the occupants of neighbouring properties it is considered that this could be appropriately mitigated through glazing solutions. Highways concerns are noted but parking levels will be increased by 1 space as a result of the proposals which given the lack of any objection from the statutory consultee and the sustainable location is considered to be acceptable.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council objected over inadequate parking and congestion, while the County Highway Authority raised no objection subject to conditions.

“Derbyshire County Highways - No objection subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Residents' concerns

Residents raised concerns about privacy, overlooking, parking, congestion, boundaries, the shared garden building, noise and possible future HMO use.

“Members of the public have commented on the application, these are summarised as follows: a) With the multiple extensions there would be a loss of privacy and overlooking to neighbouring properties and gardens. b) The Victorian garden building which is on both 34 and 32 North Street, in deeds it is not to be removed and only maintain. c) The proposed five bedrooms show 5 distinct bedrooms and separate living areas which could indicate an intention to apply for HMO status.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Development Manager presented the application, and an objector addressed the committee.

Committee discussion

Members sought clarification about the window location and raised concerns about working hours; officers confirmed obscure glazing and possible working-hour controls.

“DMPA/2025/0963 The Development Manager addressed the Committee and presented the report outlining the key aspects of the Application. An Objector attended the meeting and addressed the Committee regarding the Application. Members discussed the Application and sought clarification regarding the window location and raised concerns relating to the working hours.”

Minutes

Main conditions

The permission required obscure, non-opening first-floor windows and delivery of the additional parking space before the extra bedroom space was used.

“Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, or any statutory instrument amending, revoking and/or replacing that Order, the first floor windows hereby approved in the serving the bedrooms and en-suite in the north-east facing side elevation shall be glazed in obscure glass to Pilkington Level 4 or 5 and non-opening (except in an emergency) and permanently maintained thereafter as such.”

“The additional bedroom space within the converted outbuilding hereby approved shall not be first bought into use until the additional parking hardstand has been provided as shown on the approved drawings and this shall be retained in this form and available for parking for the life of the development.”

Officer report