The Planning Sub-Committee of Croydon Council met on Thursday, 4 April 2024, to consider a planning application for extensions to a pair of semi-detached houses. The committee resolved to grant planning permission for the development.

Planning Application for 202-204 Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood, SE19 3UX

The committee considered a planning application for the erection of single-storey rear and side extensions with raised terraces at 202-204 Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood, SE19 3UX. The application was reported to the committee because the ward councillor, Councillor Claire Bonham, had made representations requesting committee consideration.

The officer presented the details of the application, explaining that the proposed development would remain as two separate houses. It was noted that there was no specific suburban design guide for residential extensions, and therefore officers relied on Policy DM10 of Croydon's development plan, which relates to design and character. The officer highlighted that the single-storey rear elements were subordinate and largely not visible from the road, with only a small glimpse between numbers 204 and 206 Beulah Hill. The distance from the side of the development at number 204 to the ground floor windows of number 206 was 8.4 metres. At number 202, the distance from the side of the development to number 200 was just under 1 metre, increasing to approximately 3.5 metres towards the rear of the property. The officer also pointed to a property at 190 Beulah Hill, which had a single-storey rear extension clad in white render with roof lights, as a precedent for the proposed materials.

During the meeting, Christopher Whitehouse spoke in objection to the application, while Safraz Gani spoke in support. Councillor Claire Bonham also addressed the committee to share her views as the Ward Councillor.

During the deliberation, committee members raised several points. Concerns were expressed about the height of the rear extension not being in keeping with the character of the area, and there was apprehension that the two properties might be used as one. Some members felt the materials and design were unsuitable, suggesting a mix of render and brick at the front and brick for the rear extension to better match other properties in the area. It was also suggested that the rear extension should have a sloping roof to avoid a block-like appearance and minimise the impact of its height. However, members also noted that 50 metres was a sufficient distance between windows of the proposed development and neighbouring properties, and that the implementation of screening could appease adjoining occupiers. A site visit was deemed not beneficial, as members felt they could assess the finished product from the plans provided.

Ultimately, the substantive motion to grant the application based on the officer's recommendation was proposed by Councillor Ian Parker and seconded by Councillor Clive Fraser. The motion to grant the application was put to a vote and carried with five members voting in favour and one member voting against.

The Committee RESOLVED to GRANT the application for the development at 202-204 Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood, SE19 3UX. The decision was made in accordance with the officer's recommendation, with delegated authority given to the Director of Planning & Sustainable Regeneration to issue the planning permission and impose necessary conditions and informatives. These included ensuring the works are carried out in accordance with submitted plans, using specified materials, adhering to the Fire Safety Statement, and installing a privacy screen on the raised terrace adjacent to 202 Beulah Hill prior to its use.

The meeting concluded at 9:03 pm.