2660198
(i)to bring the former dwelling back to habitable residential use and to construct an extension to my dwelling to include a kitchen, dining, living, utility, hall, porch, bathroom, hot press, and 4 bedrooms, one with an en-suite and walk in wardrobe and to decommission existing septic tank & percolation area and install a new treatment system with percolation area with all ancillary site works (ii) Retention permission for gravel area, 9 light poles, wall with piers and front timber fence (iii) permission to close up existing entrance and to construct a new entrance with all ancillary site works
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development was refused due to the excessive scale of the extension which would overwhelm the original cottage, the urbanising impact of unauthorised site works including lighting and hardstanding, and the loss of mature hedgerows for a new entrance, all of which are detrimental to the rural character and visual amenities of the area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed 122 sq.m extension significantly exceeds the 60 sq.m footprint of the original cottage, failing to respect its architectural integrity and resulting in the original structure being wholly subsumed.
- The retention of nine 5-metre lighting columns and extensive gravelled hardstanding introduces incongruous urbanising features that detract from the rural landscape and pose a potential safety hazard to N4 road users.
- The proposed new entrance would necessitate the removal of a significant length of mature roadside hedgerow, causing an adverse visual impact on the rural streetscape and a loss of biodiversity value.