Good and Bad Designs . . .

Context: all building extensions will cast a shadow, which depending on orientation and size, may have an impact on a neighbour’s daylight or sunlight.

Principle: neighbouring properties should not suffer signifi cant loss of light from the construction of extensions.

Reason: reduced levels of daylight and sunlight result in a poorer living environment and adversely

affect the enjoyment of adjoining properties.

Note: particular attention will be given to the loss of light to principal

habitable rooms in neighbouring properties.

Context: normally, extensions to buildings are subsidiary to the main structure being smaller and less significant than the original building.

Principle: extensions should be subordinate to the existing building in terms of their size and scale.

Reason: Over-dominant extensions destroy the architectural integrity of existing buildings, they devalue townscape, reduce environmental quality and create a bland and/or over-wide façade out of character with those of adjacent buildings.

Advice: the apparent size of an extension can be limited by setting it back from the front elevation and scaling down features such as windows and doors.

Context: roofs are perhaps the most important ingredient in achieving the successful integration of a building extension.

Principle: where the original building has a pitched roof then all extensions should normally have a pitched roof to match.

Reasons: (i) to ensure visual continuity;

(ii) to minimise the adverse environmental impact of extensions;

(iii) to maintain environmental quality.

Note: pitched roofs are a traditional feature developed to cope with our climate. Flat roofs have a shorter life span than pitched roofs and, unless masked by a parapet, can have an unfinished appearance.

Context: two storey rear extensions are more likely to cause a reduction of amenity and loss of light to neighbouring property than any other type of extension.

Principle: two storey rear extensions that have a materially adverse impact on the outlook and amenity of adjacent dwellings will not be acceptable.

Reason: two storey rear extensions may give rise to a cramped form of development, cause daylight problems and diminish outlook from neighbouring properties. Depending on orientation, two storey rear extensions can also considerably reduce light to existing rooms of the building to be extended. In all cases architectural integrity, environmental quality and neighbouring

properties should not be disadvantaged.

Principle: side extensions should generally be set back from the main elevation of the original house and roofs should be lower than the existing ridge height.

Reason: to form a satisfactory design break and to distinguish between the original building and new work.

Note: the requirement for a set back will depend on prominence, siting, the nature of surrounding buildings and the choice of materials.

Principle: windows, window surrounds, doors, eaves, lintels and cills should be designed to match those of the main building in its original form or should be scaled down versions consistent

with the subordinate nature of an extension.

Reason: to ensure architectural integration, visual harmony and the highest standard of townscape.

Extensions which ignore the architectural details of the parent building can appear out of

keeping and unattractive.

Advice: cambered or gauged brick arches in ready made sets, purpose made joinery, decorative

ridge tiles and cast iron guttering are all available to help retain a building’s character.

Note: reveals to all new windows and door openings should match the original openings of the

existing building.

Principle: the proposed materials of an extension should normally match as closely as possible those of the existing dwelling.

Reason: materials are an important aspect of any building and, if used incorrectly, can lead to obtrusive extensions that detract from the character of a building or the street scene in general.

The code aims to guide the size and designs of extensions in order to ensure that they do not seriously affect a neighbour’s outlook or daylighting. To comply with the 45o Code, extensions should be designed so as not to cross the appropriate line drawn at an angle of 45o from an adjoining neighbour’s nearest window which is also the main light source to a habitable room. For single storey extensions, the 45o line is taken from the mid point of the opening and for two storey extensions, the quarter point is used.

Context: the Local Planning Authority has no objection in principle to the erection or formation of dependant persons annexes and accepts that they fulfi l a recognised need.

Principle: the proposed accommodation should be ancillary to the existing dwelling in terms of scale and facilities and should not be capable of becoming a separate unit of accommodation. The accommodation should be capable of being integrated back into the existing house when no longer required for its original purpose.

Principle: the conversion of buildings detached from the main residence will not normally be acceptable for example, garages being used to provide ancillary accommodation, except where they are of historic or architectural importance.

Principle: any proposal should not include either separate vehicular access or amenity/garden area and should not have a separate door to the front of the property.

Reason: dependant relative annexes will not be required indefi nitely and will remain long after the personal circumstances which created the need apply.

Note: dependant relative’s annexes should be seen as an extension to the house and will therefore need to comply with other criteria in this guide.

As with any other extension, garages should be sympathetically related to the main dwelling, whether they are adjoined or freestanding. Pitched or lean to roofs are preferable to flat or jack roofs as they are more likely to complement the existing house and locality. In normal circumstances, garages should be in line with or behind the front of the house, unless associated with a porch extension and a sufficient driveway is available.

The design and appearance of the fronts of houses and the distance between the buildings and the street are important aspects in defining the character of residential areas. Generally, only modest extensions which are in keeping with the character of the existing house will be allowed, e.g. garage and porch extensions.

Porches should reflect the character of the original house with the aim being to make the addition "belong" to the house in terms of scale, details and materials used in the construction. Care should be taken not to remove or conceal ornate or unusual architectural features or door surrounds. Canopies will rarely be appropriate on properties of traditional character but are a popular way to personalize dwellings. They need to be designed carefully so they relate to existing features. Applicants should be aware that overhanging canopies may severely reduce daylight received through their own windows.

DESIGN IN YOUR HOME SERVICE LAPTOP FACILITY

68 Raglan Avenue

Waltham Cross

Herts EN8 8DD

For a complete professional planning design service, that will not be beaten in price, speed and quality your just minute's away from getting the best deal.

Discount Plans Ltd are the first point of call if you require any quote or tender for your project. We have in just 3 months won half of our clients approval for works on extending the approved design to their home.