Agenda item

The Committee considered the above-mentioned full application to enlarge roof to accommodate an ensuite shower room with rooflight and to reduce partially constructed rear dormer window.

Prior to the consideration of the application, the following persons addressed the Committee in accordance with Public Speaking Procedure Rules 3(b):

·         Ms Louise Entwhistle (to object); and

·         Mr Lorne Vary (in support);

The Committee received a presentation from the planning officer, Katie Williams.  The Committee noted that the application site was located within the identified settlement of East Horsley which was inset from the Green Belt.  The site was in an area characterised by residential development of varying designs.  The proposal would result in revisions to a previously approved scheme which had been partially implemented.  The previous application 21/P/01722 granted consent for extensions and alterations to the roof, incorporating two smaller dormer windows to the front and rear elevation.  

The single storey rear extension has been built out and larger dormer windows constructed, were not in accordance with the approved plans.  The proposal had now been revised which was the current application for a smaller dormer window which was on the approved scheme and then the enlargement of the gable on the side.  

In the planning officers view it was considered that the proposed alteration under the application would result in sympathetic additions which would not detract from the character of the existing property or the surrounding area.  It would not have an unacceptable impact on neighbouring amenity and the application was therefore recommended for approval.

The Chairman permitted the Ward Councillor, Catherine Young to speak for three minutes.

The Committee noted concerns raised that the proposal would have a detrimental impact upon the character of the area with an unbalanced appearance to the roofline.  The proposed dormer windows were very large and overlooked neighbouring properties and would have an unacceptable impact.

The Committee discussed the application and agreed with the concerns raised.  The proposed dormer window was of particular concern owing to the overlooking potential to neighbouring properties.  The roof additions were also incongruous with the overall character of the property, out of scale and disproportionate. 

A motion was moved by Councillor Liz Hogger and seconded by Councillor Chris Barrass to refuse the application for the following reasons, which was carried: 

1.     The proposed roof additions, due to their scale, bulk and design, would fail to take into account the scale, character and proportions of the existing building and would have an unacceptable impact upon the character of the immediate surrounding area. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies H4 (1) and D4 of the Local Plan: Development Management Policies 2023 and Policy EH-H7 of the East Horsley Neighbourhood Plan 2017-2033.

2.     The proposed dormer window, due to its scale, height and position, would result in an adverse loss of privacy to neighbouring properties to the south and rear of the site. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies H4 (1b) and D5(1) of the Local Plan: Development Management Policies 2023.

In conclusion, having taken account of the representations received in relation to this application, the Committee;

RESOLVED to refuse application 22/P/01845 for the reasons as detailed above.