Addition of a rear dormer window facing the sea within the main roof

Appeal Decision Site visit made on 22 September 2026 by Nicola Davies BA DipTP MRTPI an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State Decision date:30 September 2026 Appeal Ref: 6014666 Lerryn, West Strand, West Wittering, WEST SUSSEX PO20 8AU • The appeal is made under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) against a refusal to grant planning permission. • The appeal is made by Mr David Hearn against the decision of Chichester District Council . • The application Ref is WW/26/00676/DOM. • The development proposed is the addition of a rear dormer window facing the sea within the main roof. Decision 1. The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for an addition of a rear dormer window facing the sea within the main roof at Lerryn, West Strand, West Wittering, West Sussex PO20 8AU in accordance with the terms of the application, Ref WW/26/00676/DOM, subject to the following conditions: - a) The development hereby permitted shall begin no later than three years from the date of this decision. b) The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: A_10_002 REV 03; A_10_112 REV 03; A_10_115 REV 03; A_10_210 REV 03; A_10_310 REV 04; A_10_311 REV 04; and PP- 14802458 V1. c) The development hereby permitted shall be constructed in accordance with the materials stated on the planning application form. Preliminary Matter 2. A revised version of the National Planning Policy Framework (the Framework) has been published since the planning application was determined by the Council. I have had regard to the revised Framework in reaching my decision. Main Issue 3. The main issue raised by this appeal is the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the host property and the area. Reasons 4. The design of dwellings in the area are varied, each being of individual style, and in some cases, are of an eclectic appearance. My attention has been drawn to the appearance of existing properties close by. Moongate has dormers within its rear Appeal Decision 6014666 2 roof scale. White Marley has roof projections comprising fenestration. Landfall has elements that create the appearance of a three storey dwelling. As such, there are dwellings in the area that have the appearance of being three storey properties. Whilst the area has been described as rural, the appeal site is located within existing linear development along the sea frontage and the proposal would be seen within the context of this built development and the roof forms of those properties. 5. The roof dormer would be lower than the ridge height of the host dwelling and would have a central position within the rear roof slope. Whilst it would project from the roof this would not be to the extent of those projections below at ground and first floor levels. As such, the proposal would represent a modest addition to the dwelling at roof level. Its size would not appear to visually compete with the host dwelling as the majority of the rear roof slope would remain as such. Whilst its design may not reflect that of a traditional dormer within the roof, the area is of varied character and, as such, the appearance of the roof addition with its fenestration and crown style roof form would not appear overly conspicuous within this context. 6. For these reasons, I conclude that the proposed development would not harm the character and appearance of the host property and the area. As such, the proposed development would comply with Policies P1, P2, P7 and NE11 of the Chichester Local Plan. These policies seek, amongst other matters, development to be of high design quality and be designed to positively respond to the original architecture of the host building and other locally distinct forms. This accords with the revised Framework that seeks to achieve well-designed places with development proposals responding to their context. Conditions 7. I have considered what planning conditions would be necessary in light of Policy DM6 of the revised Framework and the Planning Practice Guidance. In addition to the standard time limit condition and in the interests of certainty it is appropriate that there is a condition requiring the development to be carried out in accordance with the approved plans. In the visual interests of the locality a condition requiring the materials to accord with those set out within the planning application form is necessary. Conclusion 8. For the reasons set out above, and subject to the conditions listed, this appeal should be allowed. Nicola Davies INSPECTOR