Agenda item
14 Grendon Gardens, Wembley HA9 9NE
Minutes:
PROPOSAL: Proposed part single and part two storey rear extension, loft conversion including addition of dormer window to rear slope and insertion of roof lights, remodelling of front entrance and landscaping scheme of front garden to existing dwelling house.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Committee resolve to REFUSE planning permission for the following reason:
The proposed rear extension, by reason of its size and siting and in particular, the inclusion of a first floor rear element of extension, having regard to the hilly character and dramatic changes in level throughout the Conservation Area, represents the provision of a feature that is detrimental to the character and appearance of the property and the surrounding conservation area, resulting in harm to the wider views of the property and in particular, views of the first floor rear elevation and the roof slopes within the Barn Hill Conservation Area. This is contrary to policy DMP1 and DMP7 of the Brent Local Plan Development Management Policies 2016 and the Barn Hill Conservation Area Design Guide.
That the Head of Planning is delegated authority to make changes to the wording of the Committee’s decision (such as to vary the reason for refusal) prior to the decision being actioned, provided that the Head of Planning is satisfied that any such changes could not reasonably be regarded as deviating from the overall principle of the decision reached by the committee nor that such change(s) could reasonably have led to a different decision having been reached by the Committee.
The application was called in to Committee by Councillors Carr, Warren, Shaw, Kansagra, Colwill and Davidson for reasons set out in the report under members call-in procedure.
David Glover (Deputy Area Planning Manager) introduced the report and answered members’ questions. He informed members that the Design Guide for the Barnhill Conservation Area set out a presumption against the provision of first floor rear extensions and that there was no justification for a departure from the adopted guidance. Accordingly, the first floor rear element of the extension was considered to be harmful to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. He added that the soft landscaping of the proposal fell below the minimum level set out within the Design Guide and the level set out within condition 4 of the 2016 consent relating to this property. He then referenced the supplementary report that set out additional representation from Barnhill Residents Association which supported the views of Council officers that the proposal was contrary to the design guide and harmful to the character and appearance of the house and Conservation Area.
Brian Retkin (applicant) stated that the proposal was in accordance with Barnhill Conservation Design Guide as it would not detract from the character of the Conservation Area or would not adversely impact on adjoining neighbours. He continued that relevant precedents for a 2-storey rear extension existed in the area, referring to developments at 7 Brampton Grove and 21 Eversley Avenue. In response to members’ questions, the applicant stated that the rear extension was required to allow stairs to be erected into the loft area and would match the design without any changes to the roof form and thus making the proposal less intrusive.
David Glover submitted that whilst the single storey element of the extension and the porch were considered to be acceptable, the proposed first floor rear element of the extension was considered harmful to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and contrary to policies DMP1, DMP7 and the Conservation Area Design Guide. He added that the frontage layout was also contrary to the design guide, however, a revised layout and associated details could be secured through condition if consent was to be granted.
DECISION: Planning permission refused as recommended.
(Voting on the recommendation for approval was as follows: For 7; Against 1)
Supporting documents:
- 03 -17 1915- 14 Grendon Gardens Wembley HA9 9NE, item 3. PDF 276 KB
- Supp 14 Grendon Gardens 17 1915, item 3. PDF 86 KB