Agenda item

The Planning Officer outlined the following in his presentation:

The application was considered for the construction of a mansard extension to the roof of 4 Lind Street, SE8, together with the construction of single storey extension to the rear elevation, the installation of replacement timber windows in the front elevation and the insertion of new windows in the flank elevation.

3 other addresses on Lind Street have had the construction of mansard extensions to their roofs. 140-146 and 158 of Albyn Road at the end of Lind Street all have a higher mansard extension to the roof.  The development plan is generally satisfied with people altering or developing their homes and therefore the principle of development is considered supported. Officers are satisfied that the extension will not cause any harm to the character and appearance of the conservation area given that mansards already form part of the street and would be fully compliant with the design scheme. Officers are also satisfied that there will be no impact on neighbouring properties. It is therefore the officer recommendation to approve this application subject to the conditions set out in the committee report.

The applicant gave their presentation and raised the following:

The extension will have minimal impact on the neighbourhood as it will be almost completely concealed from the main street. The mansard will be set back at floor level at 250mm which is specified in the recommendations of the SPD. The improvements will provide a better family home while being historically sympathetic in terms of design and in keeping within the established character of the roofscape. Additional benefits to the character of the area include the enhancements resulting from removing the current non-compliant windows and reinstating at the front. There extension will also improve energy efficiency in the house.

A representative from St John’s Society also spoke in favour of the application, stating that ta mansard roof is an accepted building form and is common across London. The society deem this extension to conserve the heritage of the building. Such additions will allow for families to stay in the community for schools, work and other social networks. The mansard will be built with high quality materials which substantially improve the environmental quality of the building thus preserving energy and carbon. He added that mansards are already an established extension on Lind Street.

The objector argued the following:

This objection was for both mansards in Lind Street and Bolden Street, which was discussed on the next agenda item. Amenity societies, such as Brookmill, represent the historic memory of conservation areas which is important to consider. The odd number side of Bolden Street still retains the original and distinctive roofscape that is a defining characteristic of the Brookmill Road Conservation Area. A previous application at this same site was refused in 2016 and was dismissed on appeal in 2017. The planning inspector’s reasons for upholding are still relevant for both applications.

Officer support in their reports for both applications is primarily argued on existing precedents. Fortunately the vast majority of houses elsewhere in the area, including St John’s Vale to Friendly Street, still retain their original architectural integrity via intact, uninterrupted, unified rooflines and butterfly roofs. These were key factors that contributed to Brookmill Road CA being designated as one of the earliest CAs in Lewisham in 1972. Since the defining characteristic of the Conservation Area is its architectural integrity as exemplified by unified rooflines, we consider that any further spread of roof extensions threatens destruction of the very principles defining the conservation area.

The Presiding Officer stated that Members should only be taking into consideration the material issues of the character of the area, heritage and design.

Councillor Paschoud moved the motion to approve this application.

The Committee voted to approve the application.