Erection of dormers to front and rear, conversion of the loft into habitable accommodation and alterations to the side and rear

Appeal Decision Site visit made on 16 February 2018 by S Poole BA(Hons) DipArch MPhil MRTPI an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State Decision date: 6th March 2018 Appeal Ref: APP/D1590/D/17/3187380 47 Bohemia Chase, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4PW  The appeal is made under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 against a refusal to grant planning permission.  The appeal is made by Mr Steven Dore against the decision of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.  The application Ref 17/01048/FULH dated 14 February 2017, was refused by notice dated 8 September 2017.  The development proposed is the erection of dormers to front and rear, conversion of the loft into habitable accommodation and alterations to the side and rear. Decision 1. The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for the erection of dormers to front and rear, conversion of the loft into habitable accommodation and alterations to the side and rear at 47 Bohemia Chase, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4PW in accordance with the terms of the application, Ref 17/01048/FULH dated 14 February 2017, subject to the following condition: 1) The development hereby permitted shall accord with the following approved plans: SRD-001; SRD-002; SRD-003; SRD-004. Procedural Matters 2. In the interests of clarity I have used only the first part of the description of development provided on the application form in the banner heading above. 3. This is a retrospective planning application as the development described above has been undertaken. Main Issue 4. The main issue in this case is the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the host property and the surrounding area. Reasons 5. The appeal property is a semi-detached bungalow with a shallow pitched roof and rear extension. It is located in a residential street comprising detached and semi-detached bungalows of similar age, scale and general appearance, many of which include large and prominent dormers within the front and rear roof slopes. Appeal Decision APP/D1590/D/17/3187380 2 6. The appeal scheme includes front and rear dormers. The Council has taken the view that the front dormer would not result in demonstrable harm to the character and appearance of the dwelling or the wider area. 7. The rear dormer occupies almost the entirety of the rear roof slope and is a bulky addition by comparison to the scale of the host building. However, when viewed in the context of the neighbouring properties, which include similar rear roof additions, it is not particularly prominent or out of keeping with its surroundings. Due to its context, I do not consider that the rear dormer results in demonstrable harm to, or has an unacceptable effect on, the character and appearance of the host property or its surroundings. 8. For these reasons I conclude that the appeal scheme accords with Policies DM1 and DM3 of the Southend-on-Sea Development Management Document (2015) which seek development that respects its local context and surroundings in terms of, amongst other matters, scale and form. I am also satisfied the appeal scheme accords with the aims of Policies KP2 and CP4 of the Southend- on-Sea Core Strategy (2007), the National Planning Policy Framework (2012) and the Southend-on-Sea Design and Townscape Guide (2009). Conditions 9. Having regard to paragraph 206 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2012), I have considered the conditions suggested by the Council. For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning, a condition is imposed requiring the development to accord with the approved plans. As the development has been carried out the standard conditions relating to commencement and materials are not necessary. Conclusion 10. For the reasons set out above, and having regard to all other matters raised, I conclude that the appeal should succeed. S Poole INSPECTOR