Agenda item

The Presenting Officer outlined the details of the case for the construction of a hip-to-gable roof extension and rear roof extension together with installation of two replacement front rooflights at 14 Manor Lane, SE13. The Presenting Officer clarified that the application site is in the Lee Manor Conservation Area Extension which was extended in 2008. The Presenting Officer outlines that a number of properties in the street altered their roofs under Permitted Development prior to the extension of the conservation area.

The Presenting Officer outlines that two neighbour objections were received and that an objection was received from the Lee Manor Society. The Presenting Officer outlined that ordinarily the proposed extension would not be supported in a conservation area but as the street has a different character from the rest of the conservation area the proposal is not considered to cause any harm to the conservation area. The Presenting Officer also outlined that a similar extension to that which is proposed was allowed on appeal at No. 26 Manor Lane and a development approved at no 22 Manor Lane.

Councillor Paschoud asked for further information on the appeal at No. 26 Manor Lane. The Presenting Officer stated that extension at No.26 was refused by the Council in 2016 and approved on appeal as the Planning Inspectorate did not consider the extension to detract from the character and appearance of the conservation area.

Neel Dakshy of Neel Dakshy Architects stated that he would only speak on behalf of the applicants if members had any questions. Members did not have any questions.

The Committee received verbal representation from Charles Batchelor of the Lee Manor Society. Charles Batchelor stated that the proposed hip to gable and the size of the rear dormer was concerning, that four of the seven examples provided are from before the extension to the conservation area and that different Planning Inspectors take different views, as hip to gable extensions have been refused in the conservation area. Charles Batchelor also made reference to a draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and stated that the proposal would be inconsistent with the draft SPD.

No questions were put to the objector by members.

Councillors Paschoud and Sorba raised questions about the status of the draft SPD. The Presenting Officer stated that this draft SPD is not policy and holds no weight as it has yet to be consulted on.

Councillor Sorba asked for reaffirmation as to if why the proposal is inconsistent with policy, why is it recommended for approval. The Presenting Officer stated that this has been debated and that the proposed hip to gable in its specific terrace is not considered to harm the character of the conservation area and that no objections have been raised by the design and conservation officers.

Councillor Sorba moved a motion to reject the officer’s recommendation, this was seconded by Councillor Jacca. However this motion was not carried forward.

Members voted as follows:

For: Councillors Sorba and Jacca

Against: Councillors Bernards and Paschoud

Abstained: Councillors Clarke (Chair), Dacres and Hordijenko

Members deliberated the recommendation further. Councillors John Paschoud moved a motion to accept the officer’s recommendation, this was seconded by Councillors Bernards.

Members voted as follows:

For: Councillors Clarke (Chair), Paschoud, Bernards and Hordijenko

Against: Councillors Sorba and Jacca

Abstained: Councillor Dacres