| 1. | Policy HOU18 of the Borough-Wide Local Plan (adopted by the Borough Council on 23rd February 2001) states that extensions and alterations to dwellings will be permitted where the proposal:
(i) is in keeping with the design of the existing dwelling and the character of the area;
(ii) would not significantly affect the amenities of any neighbouring dwelling; and,
(iii) would not result in over-development of the site.
The proposal, by reason of the height, depth and width of the extension (to within 1 metre of the side boundary of the site) would be out of keeping with the character of existing development in West Avenue, which comprises detached and semi-detached dwellings with, particularly at first floor level, relatively generous spacing between buildings. Consequently, it is considered that the proposal is contrary to criteria (i) and (iii) of the above policy.
Furthermore, the proposal is considered to be contrary to criterion (ii) of this policy in that the extension would, by virtue of its height, depth and bulk, and relationship to the adjacent dwelling (to the east of the site), constitute an unneighbourly form of development which would have an overbearing and oppressive effect on the outlook from that property, as well as resulting in loss of privacy and an appreciable loss of daylight and sunlight for the occupiers thereof. |
