This client had been trying for quite some time to get permission for two-storey extensions, but kept getting his planning applications refused. He was determined to keep trying until he got permission for the extensions he needed.
This proposal was a revised scheme that tried to respond to the council’s concerns. The council was happy with the design of the extensions but was worried about a possible impact on a neighbour, particularly in terms of a loss of light.
The case officer argued that the proposal breached the 45-degree rule (whereby extensions should not breach an imaginary line drawn at a 45 degree angle from a neighbour’s window), but these kinds of rules are guidance only and a failure to comply should not lead to an automatic refusal.
In this case, the appeal inspector agreed with us that there would be no material harm to the neighbour, partly because the existing house already breached the same 45 degree line. The inspector also noted tall hedging between the two properties.
We were delighted to win this appeal. Contact us if you too have been refused planning permission for a development and you suspect that the decision is unfair.
