House extension and loft conversion at 12 Westbury Road, Northwood

“Description of Proposed Development 3.1 This application seeks full planning permission for the construction of a two-storey side extension, single-storey front extension, a loft conversion including alteration to roof form and insertion of rear dormer window and front rooflights. As well as an extension to the driveway and access, alterations to fenestration, external materials including render and timber cladding.”

“The ground floor element would have a mono-pitched roof with an eaves height of 2.7m and a maximum height of 3.6m, three new roof lights are proposed for the ground floor eastern flank roof. The roof tiles would be plain clay to match the existing. The development would include an increase in ridge height of the front gable projection by 0.4m to a maximum height of 7.7m.”

“Relevant Planning History 1.1 15/0079/FUL - Demolition of single storey rear extension, detached garage and greenhouse and construction of single storey side and rear extension - 16.03.2015 Permitted and implemented. 1.2 8/265/75 - Erection of a carport - 23.05.1975 Permitted. Description of Application Site 2.1 The application site contains a two-storey detached dwelling located on the southern side of Westbury Road, in Eastbury, Northwood.”

“To the rear of the dwelling is a paved patio area, with the remaining garden area consisting of grass and an area of decking at the rear of the amenity space. The adjacent neighbour to the east, No. 14 has a similar front building line to the host dwelling, the host dwelling extends past this neighbour's rear building line. No.14 is located on a slightly higher land level. The other neighbouring dwelling to the west, No.”

“The proposed dormer is considered to be compliant with the Design Criteria set out in Appendix 2, and considered to be acceptable from the perspective of impact on streetscene and the character of the host dwelling. The existing drive would be widened by 1.9m to a total width of approximately 5.4m where it adjoins the footpath. The existing driveway would be extended by approximately 11 sqm, to accommodate the wider access and a new bin storage area.”

“Rear Garden Amenity Space 7.4.1 Policy CP12 of the Core Strategy states that development should take into account the need for adequate levels and disposition of privacy, prospect, amenity and garden space. The proposed development would not encroach upon the rear amenity space of the host dwelling. 383 sqm of useable amenity space would remain, which is acceptable to serve the five-bedroom dwelling.”

“Batchworth Community Council: [Objection] BCC strongly objects to this application due to the bulk and mass which will overwhelm the streetscene. The second floor which over looks 43 The Fairway will impact on the privacy and enjoyment of their amenity space. BCC has concerns that a five-bedroom dwelling will require additional parking space which will not be available on the site. Hertfordshire Ecology [No Objection]”

“This application is exempt from Mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain. The Ecology Service (LEADS) has not undertaken any scrutiny of the validity of the claimed exemption, however taking it at face value in this instance, the requirement for mandatory 10% biodiversity gain does not apply.”

“The Planning Officer reported that after reviewing amended plans, Batchworth Community Council no longer had any objection to the application. Additionally, a corrected plan had been received and the plan references given at Condition 2 would therefore require updating.”

“Councillor Lloyd moved, and Councillor Hearn seconded, that planning permission be granted subject to conditions and updating of Condition 2 to reflect updated drawing revisions. On being put to the vote this was carried unanimously.”

“RESOLVED: that planning permission be granted subject to conditions and updating of Condition 2 to reflect updated drawing revisions.”