Caversham, Reading RG4
Reading Borough Council refused a single storey front and side extension to an end-of-terrace house. We prepared the appeal statement, showing the extension's sympathetic design and modest scale, and the Planning Inspector allowed the appeal.
8 Hilltop Road in Caversham is an end of terrace house. The owners applied for a single storey front and side extension, which Reading Borough Council refused, considering it harmful to the appearance of the house and street.
We reviewed the refusal and the context. The extension is single storey, modest in scale and finished in materials that match the house, and similar extensions exist in the area. On that basis we advised that the decision could be challenged at appeal.
We prepared the appeal statement and submitted it to the Planning Inspectorate, showing the extension's sympathetic design, its subordinate scale and its relationship with neighbouring properties, with the plans and elevations and a photograph of the existing house.
The Planning Inspector allowed the appeal, overturning the refusal. The case shows that a refusal is not always the end of the road, and that a clear, evidence based appeal can succeed for small householder schemes.
Not every refusal should be appealed. We review the officer's report, the policy and recent appeal decisions in the area, and advise honestly on the chances. If the refusal can be overcome with a revised scheme, that is often faster; if the design is sound, an appeal may be the better route.
Householder appeals are decided on written evidence, and the deadline is 12 weeks from the date of refusal. The Inspector visits the site before reaching a decision.
The extension adds space at the front and side of the house, with a pitched roof and brickwork that match the existing house, as the side elevation shows.
Our appeals service page explains the process and our wider record.
The Inspector agreed that the extension would not harm the character of the house or street, and allowed the appeal. The owners could then build the extension as designed.
We prepared the appeal statement and the submission to the Planning Inspectorate, and the original drawings of the extension, with the side elevation and plans shown in the images.
If your householder application has been refused, send us the decision notice and we will tell you honestly whether an appeal is worthwhile.
Front and side extensions are judged on their effect on the street, so photographs and a clear explanation of similar extensions nearby are often the most persuasive evidence.
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