Two outbuildings and landscaping at 38 Moor Lane, Rickmansworth

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective permission for two outbuildings, changed rear land levels and landscaping works.

“The neighbour at No.40 is a two storey detached dwelling finished in a cream painted render and extends deeper than the application dwelling at the rear. Description of proposed development and background 3.1 This application seeks part retrospective planning permission for the construction of two outbuildings and alterations to rear land levels and landscaping works.”

“The previous condition of the rear garden was such that there were 4 main sections; a patio at the ground level adjacent to the house, 2 sections of sloping lawn and a flat section at the rearmost parcel. The land levels in situ still comprise of 4 similar sections however each level is now flat. In order to accommodate the extension and new patio these sections have also moved rearwards.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the works were not harmful to the area, neighbouring homes, parking, garden space, trees, biodiversity, flooding or drainage.

“The development does not impact the requirement for or the provision of parking. 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 development has not increased the amount of bedrooms the dwelling has and ample useable garden is retained to serve a dwelling of this size.”

“Paragraph 13 of Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 sets out that every planning permission granted for the development of land in England shall be deemed to have been granted subject to the ‘biodiversity gain condition’ requiring development to achieve a net gain of 10% of biodiversity value. This is subject to exemptions as set out in The Biodiversity Gain Requirements (Exemptions) Regulations 2024.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke in favour, while a parish councillor spoke against concerns about over-development, trees, landscaping and unauthorised works.

What members debated

Members heard clarification about the separate lawful development certificate, found no identifiable harm from the land-level changes, and proposed restricting further outbuildings.

“In responding to the points raised, the Planning Officer clarified that the Certificate of Lawfulness application referred to by the speakers was for an outbuilding sited on the patio level, adjacent to the rear of the dwelling. This had been considered under a lawful development certificate to be permitted development in its own right.”

“Another Committee Member recommended that in the event of approval, a further condition should be added to remove permitted development rights for further outbuildings in order to prevent over-development of the plot.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

Members unanimously approved part retrospective permission subject to conditions and an additional restriction on permitted development rights for further outbuildings.

“Councillor Cooper moved, and Councillor Drury seconded, that part retrospective planning permission be approved subject to conditions and an additional condition to remove permitted development rights for further outbuildings in order to prevent over-development of the plot.”

“RESOLVED: that part retrospective planning permission be approved subject to conditions and an additional condition to remove permitted development rights for further outbuildings in order to prevent over-development of the plot.”

Minutes