Balcony and window amendments at 2 Frenchfield Way, Penrith

“The proposed amendments include the widening of the first-floor bedroom window on the west elevation, the removal of one ground floor kitchen/dining window on the west elevation, the widening of a first-floor bathroom window on the north elevation, the omission of one rooflight from the rear roof slope, the addition of floor lights within the balcony area, a revised obscure glazed privacy screen on the west side of the first- floor balcony, and the introduction of…”

“One neighbour has objected to the revised proposal, raising concerns regarding overlooking from the widened west-facing bedroom window and from the first-floor balcony. Reference is made to a perceived reduction in privacy and to the cumulative visual impact of the changes.”

“Application Ref: 22/0316 Proposal: Proposed two storey and single storey extensions to dwelling. Decision: Approved with Conditions Decision Date: 29/07/2022”

“Application Ref: 2024/2318/FPA Proposal: Alterations and extensions. Decision: Approved with Conditions Decision Date: 17/02/2025”

“The proposal has been assessed against the relevant policies of the development plan, including Policy DEV5 of the Eden Local Plan (2014–2032), which requires new development to demonstrate a clear understanding of the form and character of the area and to ensure that the amenity of neighbouring occupiers is not unreasonably affected.”

“On balance, the proposed amendments are minor in nature and do not give rise to any new or materially greater impacts than the approved scheme. The design remains appropriate in scale and character, and the separation distances ensure that neighbour privacy is preserved. The revised proposal is considered acceptable in accordance with the relevant policies of the development plan and is therefore recommended for approval. Recommendation…”

“Neighbour Responses: objection. One neighbour representation has been received in relation to this application. The neighbouring occupier has raised concern about actual and potential overlooking from the first-floor bedroom window and the future balcony, both of which face towards their own property. The comment includes photographs taken from inside a first-floor bedroom, showing a direct view of the applicant’s enlarged window currently under construction.”

“Officer Note: The representation expresses apprehension that the increased size of the west-facing window will result in additional loss of privacy and that the future balcony may exacerbate this impact once constructed.”

“The application had been brought to the attention of the Committee due to an objection received from Penrith Town Council. The Town Council had objected to the potential loss of privacy for neighbouring properties.”

“Following a question from Cllr C Atkinson and comment from Cllr A Connell, the Planning Officer indicated that the nearest neighbour was over 29m away and that there were no privacy concerns noted by officers.”

“The recommendation was proposed and seconded and unanimously;”

“RESOLVED, that planning permission be GRANTED, subject to the following conditions:”

“The obscure-glazed privacy screens on the west and east side of the balcony, as shown on the approved Drawings 124-114-08 (Proposed Plan and Elevations, Rev B, dated 10/02/2026) and 124-114-07 (Proposed Plan and Elevations, Rev B, dated 10/02/2026), shall be installed prior to the first use of the balcony. The screens shall be retained and maintained in their approved form for the lifetime of the development.”