In this case, our clients had applied for large scale rear extensions to their home in Leytonstone, in east London.
However, the rears of all the houses on their row had been heavily altered and the design of their new extensions pretty much matched what was built on houses to either side and so would not look out of place.
Council planners often place a lot of weight on the design itself, and whether it would ‘normally’ be allowed, and less on the context around the site, i.e. what other people have built. They can be reluctant to make exceptions to their usual rules.
In this case, Waltham Forest was focused on its design guidance in its Residential Extensions & Alterations SPD.
Appeal inspectors can be much more flexible. In this decision, the inspector agreed with the council that the extensions were ‘substantial’ but decided that they would fit in with the large extensions at the neighbouring houses.
If you have been refused planning permission for extensions to your home, do not hesitate to contact us for some free advice on your chances of successfully appealing that decision.
