Scale, Proportion and Height Requirements

An extension or alteration should not be so large or so prominent as to dominate the host property or its wider surroundings, rather development proposals should be in scale with existing and adjoining buildings. All such works should have proportion and balance, fitting in with the shape of the existing property. The height, width and general size of an extension should generally be smaller than the existing house and subordinate or integrated so as not to dominate the character of the existing property, although it is accepted that on occasion a larger extension may be required - for example to facilitate the renovation and upgrading of a small rural dwelling to meet modern amenity standards. It will not usually be appropriate to allow an extension to project above the ridge line of the existing dwelling and this will be especially important where uniform building height is part of the street scene.