Appeal Dismissed — the UK
PL/26/0588
65a Bedford Road, RG1 7EX
The appeal decision concerns a planning application made by Mr. Chris Tong for a rear elevation dormer extension and internal alterations at 65A Bedford Road, Reading, which was refused by Reading Borough Council. The main issue identified by the Inspector, Alexander O’Doherty, was the proposed development's impact on the character and appearance of the area. The Inspector noted that the appeal site is located at a prominent corner and is part of a terrace with consistent scale and massing. While some nearby properties feature large dormer extensions, many have smaller, more proportionate designs. The proposed dormer extension was deemed excessively large, spanning nearly the entire width of the roof and appearing bulky, which would dominate the host property and conflict with the Design Guide To House Extensions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). Additionally, the differing window shapes would further detract from the property’s appearance. The Inspector concluded that the development would harm the character of the area, contradicting Policy CC7 of the Reading Borough Local Plan, which emphasizes high design quality. Although the proposal would enhance living accommodation, these benefits were considered minor and did not outweigh the adverse effects on the area's character. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, reinforcing the importance of adhering to the development plan and local design policies.
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