Basement extension and lightwells at 4 West Avenue, Walthamstow, London E17

“Committee/Date: Planning – 8 th July 2025 Application reference: 250946 Applicant: [the applicant]: West Avenue, Walthamstow, London, E17 9QN Proposed development: Excavation to facilitate extension of the existing basement level together with the formation of a rear garden lightwell and enlargement of existing front garden lightwell. Construction of a patio within rear garden and installation of railings, gate and refuse/recycle waste storage within front garden.”

“This application is seeking permission for the excavation to facilitate extension of the existing basement to increase available head height, as well as formation of a rear lightwell and enlargement of existing front lightwell. The works include the construction of a patio in the rear garden with installation of railings and gates to the lightwell’s access stairs. The application also includes the provision of refuse and recycling storage within the front garden.”

“Proposed Elevations 5 RELEVANT HISTORY Planning 5.1. 211597 - Lawful Development Certificate Proposed – Construction of dormer roof extension to main rear roof and part extension above two storey rear outrigger. – Approved (with Informatives) 19/07/2021 5.2. 211598 - Construction of single storey rear and side extensions, including the installation of glazing to side elevation and removal of first floor side window. – Approved (with Conditions & Informatives) 22/09/2021 5.3.”

“(Item 4.3) In addition, the development would not result in a detrimental impact upon neighbouring amenity. Taking into account the consistency of the scheme with the Local Plan and considering all material planning considerations, the proposal is considered acceptable and is therefore recommended for approval subject to conditions and informatives. RECOMMENDATION”

“The Planning Committee is recommended to grant planning permission subject to the conditions and informatives below. Conditions and Reasons…”

“Trees Officer • The AIA states one tree is due for removal, a Honey locust numbered T7 on the plan. • The reason for removal is that the lightwell extension would conflict with T7’s RPA. • That alone would not be a justified reason to remove the tree. • However, the report further justifies T7’s removal due to is poor condition (as a result of past management) and its constrained growing space. • The report claims that T7 has modest amenity value.”

“(Item 4.3) Consultees Comments is sufficient soil depth in the front garden to support a tree long term. With the proposed extension, the available space is further constrained. In conclusion, the proposal is supported in principle subject to a suitable replacement tree to be planted in the front garden where space allows. For this purpose, a compact, amenity tree with non-invasive roots would be the optimal choice.”

“Objection Received Response Victorian character and overdevelopment on West Avenue The proposal is seeking to extend the existing basement and existing lightwell to frontage. There would be limited appearance changes to the property and no additional built form in the street scene. Design is assessed further later in the report.”

“(Item 4.3) Objection Received Response Highways and parking impacts This is a minor development that is not envisaged to have detrimental or long-term impacts upon the highway network of availability of parking.”

“That planning permission be granted for Application 250946 in line with the reasons and recommendations contained in the committee report, subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report.”