Roof and dormer extension at 5 Fairfield, Herstmonceux

What was proposed

The application sought to extend the roof and widen an approved rear dormer from 7.1 metres to 9 metres.

“Proposal The application proposes to vary the plans condition (Condition 2) associated with WD/2025/1254/F which granted permission for a first-floor extension and a loft conversion with rear dormer. It is proposed to increase the capacity of the previously approved extension by extending the roof and by increasing the width of the approved rear dormer from 7.1 metres to 9 metres.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is a semi-detached two-storey home on a triangular corner plot within Herstmonceux’s development boundary.

“Site and Surroundings The application site is a semi-detached two-storey dwelling situated on the corner of Fairfield and Bagham Lane within the settlement of Herstmonceux. The dwelling sits within a triangular plot. Site Constraints The application site is subject to the following constraints: • Located inside a defined development boundary. • Within the Low Weald landscape character area.”

Officer report

Earlier permission and advice

Permission was granted in July 2025 for a first-floor extension and loft conversion, with later advice favouring modest additions and a retained hip.

“Relevant Planning History WD/2025/1254/F – Permission was granted in July 2025 for a first-floor extension and a loft conversion with rear dormer, the conditions for which this application seeks to vary. Pre-Application Advice Brief informal advice was given via email following the approval of WD/2025/1254/F in relation to the possibility of varying the approved plans to allow for a larger extension and dormer in a similar manner to that currently proposed.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The parish considered the amended proposal an improvement but sought attention to possible overlooking and the neighbouring property’s privacy.

“Consultation Responses The following consultation responses and representations have been received. These responses are summarised. Full versions of the consultation responses and representations are available on the case file available on the Council’s website (link above).”

“Council still seek reassurance that the Planning Officer gives due regard to the neighbouring property, whose privacy is potentially compromised by the increase in size and additional window, which directly overlooks the next door garden.’ [16 December 2025] – Comments as follows: ‘Council recalled that they did not object to the original application, however, Council now seek to ensure that the Planning Officer/Committee give due regard to the neighbouring property, whose…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in favour of the application, and the local ward member spoke without voting.

The committee vote

A motion to approve in line with the officer recommendation was proposed and seconded.

“Decision/Voting: On the basis that Members were satisfied that all relevant planning considerations had been covered within the report:”

“A motion was proposed by Councillor Redman, seconded by Councillor Everitt to approve full planning permission, in line with officer recommendation.”

Minutes

The final decision

Full planning permission was granted subject to the conditions and informatives in the agenda report and officer update.

“RESOLVED: That Full planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions and informatives as set out in the Agenda report and Officer update.”

Minutes