This appeal related to a first floor rear extension at a residential property in the London Borough of Brent.
The council had refused planning permission on the grounds that the proposal would harm the character and appearance of the area and would have an unacceptable impact on neighbouring living conditions, particularly in terms of daylight and visual impact.
At appeal, the inspector assessed the proposal in detail, including its design, scale and relationship with the existing building. The inspector found that the roof form and materials would reflect those of the host property and that the extension would appear proportionate when viewed in the context of the original house. It was concluded that the development would not result in excessive bulk or cause harm to the visual character of the surrounding area.
The inspector also considered the impact on the neighbouring property at number 57 Carlton Avenue West. Although the depth of the extension marginally exceeded the guidance set out in the council’s residential extensions SPD (update: a new version of the SPD was adopted in 2025), the inspector was satisfied that this would not result in a material loss of daylight or privacy. Any impact on sunlight was found to be limited to the early morning and not sufficient to harm neighbouring living conditions.
In reaching the decision, the inspector assessed the proposal against Policy DMP1 of the Brent Local Plan and the Residential Extensions and Alterations Supplementary Planning Document. Having regard to the specific circumstances of the site, the inspector concluded that the proposal complied with the relevant policies and design guidance.
The appeal was allowed and planning permission was granted for the first floor rear extension.
This case demonstrates that departures from design guidance do not automatically justify refusal, and that careful assessment of actual impacts is critical when considering proposals for residential extensions in Brent.
If you have been refused planning permission for a householder extension, we regularly advise on planning appeals in Brent and can provide clear advice on the prospects of success
