Home extension appeal rejected

A GOVERNMENT-appointed planning inspector has rejected an appeal by a Lymm resident against the refusal by the borough council to grant permission for extensions at his home.
The appeal by Gary Beckett related to the refusal by the borough in March to grant planning consent for a first floor extension to the front and side of his house in Higher Lane, a new garage and rear ground floor extension.
Inspector Matthew Birkinshaw said the substantial size, scale and massing of the alterations at first floor level in addition to a new double garage and dormer windows would dominate the property having a detrimental effect on its character and appearance.
Despite several mature trees along Higher Lane restricting views of the property from further up the street, the majority of the extensions proposed would still clearly be visible. He believed the proposals would be harmful to both the character and appearance of the house and the street scene within Higher Lane.
Mr Birkinshaw noted the council had not raised any concerns about the rear extension and he did not disagree with them. However, the appellant had not indicated that he would wish to implement this aspect of the scheme in isolation from the front extensions.
Although there was support for the scheme from immediate neighbours, he concluded the appeal should be dismissed.