Planning Application for a new residential annex and home office submitted to Birmingham City Council.

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Introduction

 

Following an initial planning appraisal with the client En-Plan: Planing & Architecture formulated and submitted a planning application to Birmingham City Council for new residential annex and home office. The planning  application will also add a new shower room thereby providing semi-independent accommodation to augment the main unit.

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Site and Surroundings

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The application site comprises of a semi-detached dwelling with a hipped roof design. There is evidence of
the property previously being extended with a single storey rear and covered side entry. The rear garden of
the house is predominantly laid to lawn and is enclosed by wooden fencing. There is a shared access way
located to the rear of the application site.The property is located within an area of a residential nature with s urrounding properties being of a similar age and design. Both neighbouring properties have evidence of being extended and there are detached structures located to the bottom of the gardens. There are a number of detached structures visible within the surrounding area.

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Great Barr iself is a suburban area located in the northwestern part of Birmingham, England. Its history can be traced back several centuries. The area now known as Great Barr was originally part of the ancient parish of Perry Barr, which dates back to at least the 11th century. The name "Barr" likely comes from the Old English word "bearu," meaning "grove" or "wooded place," indicating the presence of dense forests in the area. Great Barr was predominantly a rural and agricultural area until the 19th century. It consisted of farmland, open fields, and scattered farmsteads. Agriculture, including farming and livestock rearing, was the primary occupation of the local population. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, Great Barr underwent significant changes. The nearby towns of Walsall and Birmingham experienced industrial growth, which had an impact on Great Barr as well. The construction of canals, such as the Tame Valley Canal, and later the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century, improved transport links and facilitated the movement of goods and people. Residential Development: As the population of Birmingham grew during the 19th century, suburban development extended to areas like Great Barr. Large estates and mansions were built for wealthy families, attracted by the rural charm and proximity to the city. Notable estates in the area included Red House, Lyndon House, and Hamstead Hall.Twentieth Century: In the 20th century, Great Barr continued to see residential development. The expansion of public transportation, such as bus services, made the area more accessible to commuters working in Birmingham. The construction of council housing estates, such as the Pheasey Estate, provided affordable homes for the growing population. Today, Great Barr is a thriving suburban area with a mix of residential, commercial, and green spaces. It is home to a diverse community and offers amenities such as schools, shopping centers, parks, and leisure facilities.

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Assessment

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The proposed outbuilding complies with the 45 Degree Code and as such the proposal would not result in adverse detrimental harm to the amenities of the neighbouring occupiers by virtue of loss of light or outlook. It is also noted that the outbuilding is at a sufficient distance away from the nearest habitable rooms of the
neighbouring dwellings. The proposed doors and the proposed window to the side elevations of the outbuilding fail to meet the required 5m per storey separation distance. It is acknowledged that the window is annotated to be fitted with obscure glazing. Although these glass doors fail to meet the required 5m distance, due to the presence of the boundary treatment which would provide mitigation, I consider that the proposal
would not cause adverse detrimental overlooking or loss of privacy to the neighbouring occupiers. Whilst I acknowledge that some of the fence panels on one side have been removed on site, due to the boundary treatment allowed under permitted development, I am satisfied that there would be sufficient mitigation to
ensure no detrimental loss of privacy or overlooking into the neighbouring garden. Complies with principles contained in Extending Your Home.

The scale, mass and design of the proposed outbuilding are acceptable. The proposed development is confined to the rear of the application site and would have no adverse impact upon the forward street scene. There are also many detached structures/garages/outbuildings within the surrounding area of varying sizes and designs. I consider that the proposed outbuilding would not cause adverse detrimental harm to the architectural character or appearance of the main house or the visual amenity of the area. It is also acknowledged that a planning approval was granted in 2018 (ref: 2018/01371/PA) for a detached garage to the rear in the same location which has not been built. The proposed outbuilding is to be used as a residential annex and home office. A condition is attached to ensure that the use of the outbuilding remains of an incidental use to the main house. A condition is also attached for details of the materials to be submitted to and approved by the local authority prior to any works.  If you would like to view similar applications please refer to our Garages, Annexes and Outbuildings page.

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Further Information

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If you would like to find out more about how our Planning Consultancy and Architectural Design Services can work in perfect sync to achieve a successful outcome in the planning system please contact us and we will be only too happy to talk through any questions or development proposals you may have.

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