House extension and loft conversion at 35 Park Road, Ashford

What was proposed

The application proposed a garage conversion, side and rear extensions, and a loft conversion with a rear dormer and hip-to-gable roof.

“The proposal seeks planning permission for the conversion of an existing garage into a habitable room, together with a part single storey, part two-storey rear extension, and a loft conversion incorporating a hip to gable roof alteration with a rear dormer.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a two-storey semi-detached house in a residential area, with an attached side extension and integral garage.

“The application site and surrounding area 3.1 The application property, 35 Park Road, is a two-storey semi-detached dwelling located on the western side of Park Road within a predominantly residential area of Ashford. The locality is characterised by a mixture of semi-”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the design compatible with the area, impacts on neighbours acceptable, and sufficient parking available.

“The application site is located within the built-up area where the principle of residential extensions is acceptable. The proposal has been assessed against Policy EN1 of the Core Strategy and Policies DPD (2009) and the Council’s Design of Residential Extensions and New Residential Development SPD (2011). The design and appearance of the development are considered to respect the character of the existing dwelling and the surrounding area.”

“Adequate off-street parking remains available on-site in accordance with Policy CC3 and the Council’s adopted Parking Standards (2011).”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The County Highway Authority had no objections, while Environmental Health requested information about asbestos and dust.

“Statutory Consultees Consultee Comment County Highway Authority No objections.”

“Non-Statutory Consultees Consultee Comment Environmental Heath (Contamination) Requests an informative relating to asbestos and dust.”

Officer report

Objections received

Five objections raised privacy, design, parking, traffic, construction, structural and possible future HMO concerns.

“A total of 4 properties were notified of the application.”

“Reasons for objecting include: ➢ Loss of privacy and overlooking from the proposed dormer ➢ Overdevelopment and design out of keeping with the character of Park Road ➢ Increased traffic, parking pressure and highway safety concerns ➢ Noise and disturbance during construction and from potential intensification of use ➢ Structural concerns relating to shared boundaries, the party wall and chimney stack ➢ Alleged intention to convert the property into an HMO and resultant…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker opposed the development, and Councillor Rutherford spoke against it as ward councillor.

Committee debate

Members discussed party-wall sequencing, possible HMO use, the number of bedrooms and whether the site was overdeveloped.

“During the debate the following key issues were raised:”

“1.Could a condition be put forward to ensure that the work on the party wall is completed before any other building work commences 2. Could a condition be put on that this property remains a family home and is not to be converted into a House of Multiple Occupancy 3. The application proposed 3 bedrooms as 2 further rooms could be used as bedrooms therefore it is considered to be a 5 bedroom property 4. Overdevelopment of the site…”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved with the recommended conditions and an additional condition requiring the property to remain within dwelling-house use.

“The application was approved subject to conditions as set out in the recommendation section of the report and the additional condition agreed as above.”

Minutes