Agenda item

Conversion of roof space to habitable use to include a rear dormer and 3 front roof lights

For the duration of this item, Councillor Duncan remained muted and her camera was turned off.

Officers introduced the item noting that this was a 2-bedroom dwelling which was granted planning permission in 2017 and 2019; the application in front of Members would add a third bedroom. Regarding the dormer window, officers considered this not to comply with the Local Plan policies set out in the report due to its size and scale; the item was therefore recommended for refusal.

Officers informed Members that there were no London Plan policies implicated within the officer’s recommended refusal reasons for this application.

Councillor Ahamad-Wallana confirmed that he did not see the officer’s presentation and as such, was precluded from the vote.

A petition in objection to the application had been received and written representations from the lead petitioner were read out for the consideration of the Committee. Key points raised included:

• That following submission of the petition, a further eight residents asked to sign, indicating the strength of the feeling behind the petition;
• There were concerns amongst petitioners that the proposed development was destined to become a House in multiple occupation (HMO);
• Significant concerns were raised regarding the intrusion on the privacy of neighbouring residents as a result of the dormer windows, construction of which had recently been completed;
• The addition of a second building on the plot lead to further concerns of a potential HMO;
• Although the application’s plans showed some modifications to the construction, it was seen that the development of the property was already in progress using the dimensions of the initial drawings;
• The larger footprint of the site had been made possible by the applicant’s removal of a public footpath and large bank of earth which supposedly contravened the initial planning agreement that no change would be made to existing ground levels;
• There was no acknowledgment on the plans of a 70 foot high ash tree which was sited less than 5 metres from the development;
• Further concerns were raised as to parking on the street; parking stresses were endemic to the street and the development had the potential to exacerbate this;
• Construction on the site was entering its fourth year causing disruptiveness for neighbouring residents. There were also instances of contractors working outside of agreed hours;
• There had been an absence of engagement by the applicant when objections were raised directly with them.

Councillor Jan Sweeting, Ward Councillor for West Drayton submitted written representations which were read out for the consideration of the Committee. Key points raised included:

• Support was given to both the officer’s recommendation for refusal and the points raised by petitioners;
• The proposed development would create a design harmful to the dwelling and the character of the area; it was seen as too bulky, too large and out of harmony with the design of the original dwelling;
• The development would be over dominant and too near to other properties. The large dormer windows would be incongruous and overpowering;
• The lack of provided parking spaces was also of concern on a street where road parking spaces were at a premium.

The Committee were in agreement that the development was oversized and dominated the immediate surrounding area. Members further noted that the development appeared more akin to a third floor rather than a dormer window.

The officer’s recommendation was moved, seconded and, when put to a vote, agreed. Councillor Ahmad-Wallana and Councillor Duncan did not participate in the vote on this item.

RESOLVED: That the application be refused.