Agenda item

Erection of upward extension, two-storey side and rear extensions and conversion of garage. Alterations to roof with erection of rear and side dormers and installation of rooflights. Alterations of fenestrations. Hard landscaping and car parking provision in the front garden providing four off-street parking spaces.

Ward: Norbury and Pollards Hill

Recommendation: Grant permission

Erection of upward extension, two-storey side and rear extensions and conversion of garage. Alterations to roof with erection of rear and side dormers and installation of rooflights. Alterations of fenestrations. Hard landscaping and car parking provision in the front garden providing four off-street parking spaces.

Ward: Norbury and Pollards Hill

The officer presented details of the planning application and in response to members’ questions explained that:

• The objectors to the application had not been re-consulted on the changes to the proposed development as they were aesthetic changes to the property rather than material considerations.
• Due to the large separation distances between the proposed development and its neighbouring properties, a daylight/sunlight report was not required.
• The proposed development was on a site that was at a low risk of surface water flooding and ground water flooding; officers would not usually request a flood risk assessment for household extensions unless there was a particular flood risk at the site.
• A condition had been recommended for landscaping to be agreed prior to use of the dwelling.
• A historic map showed that the dwelling in the cul-de-sac had been built between 1910 and 1933 and there was no planning history related to this property.
• The building was not on the local list of historic buildings.
• The application retains a single dwellinghouse and the proposal for the inclusion of two parking spaces  is in accordance with the maximum amount set out in the London plan.
• There were other bungalows in the area, however, these were semi-detached properties so they had a different design to the applicants property.

Mrs Khan spoke in objection to the application, Bruno Gouveia spoke in support of the application and Councillor Matthew Griffiths addressed the Committee with his view as the Ward Councillor. The sub-committee began the deliberation, during which they raised the following points:

• The existing building had character which pre-existed the surrounding buildings.
• The proposed development included white rendering which matched with the neighbouring properties.
• The design and height of the proposed development had changed during the application process.
• There was some doubt over whether the development was in keeping with the neighbourhood.
• The use of obscure windows to prevent overlooking was not necessarily a permanent solution.
• The building was very old and a major change to the design of the building may not align with the character of the buildings surrounding the site.
• There was concern over the loss of parking spaces on the site.
• The colour of the proposed tiles to the roof of the development was a concern as the other properties in the area had red roof tiles and the proposed development would be grey tiles.
• The proposed development was policy compliant.

The substantive motion to GRANT the application based on the officer’s recommendation was proposed by Councillor Parker. This was seconded by Councillor Fish.

The motion to grant the application was taken to a vote and carried with four Members voting in favour and two Members voting against.

The Committee RESOLVED to GRANT the application for the development at 11 Forrest Gardens, Norbury, London, SW16 4LP.