Appeal against rejection of dormer and loft conversion in Westhoughton

Plans were launched for a property on Forest Drive.

Applicant Lucy McMahon wanted to erect a side dormer alongside a loft conversion.

The dormer would have been over eight metres wide and two and a half metres high.

But planning officers at Bolton Council recommended that the plans be refused due to the impact on the surrounding area.

A report prepared by officers stated: "The dormer represents a significant change in the built character of the area and does not respect the character and identity of the locality in terms of design, siting, and scale, particularly since similarly sized flat roofed dormers are absent in the immediate vicinity.

“The proposed side dormer would cause significant harm to the character and appearance of the existing property and surrounding area and is therefore considered to be unacceptable.”

Letters were also received raising concerns about the proposals, citing issues such as the “overly dominant effect on neighbours” and that it was “overlooking and visually intrusive” as well as an “overdevelopment.”

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Officers did however consider some aspects of the plans acceptable.

These included that it would have no impact on the other half of the semi-detached pair of houses and it would not overlook properties to the front and rear as he dormer window would not face them.

In May this year Bolton Council rejected the plans.

The reasons given were: “The proposed dormer, by reason of its design, appearance, scale, massing and bulk, would have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the dwelling and surrounding area.”

But now an appeal has been launched against the decision by Bolton Council to reject these plans.

The Planning Inspectorate has confirmed it is a valid appeal and it will be determined by the Householder Appeals Service.