Residential Extensions and Alterations - Character and Amenity Impact

A proposal to extend or alter a residential property can have a significant impact on the character and appearance of the local environment. The main causes of harm arise where an extension is poorly designed, over-sized or badly sited, or where inappropriate alterations are proposed. Even small-scale changes can, by virtue of their cumulative impact over a period of time, significantly erode the character of a locality. An extension or alteration can also affect the privacy and amenities enjoyed by neighbouring households, with issues such as dominance, privacy and loss of light often arising. Proposals for residential extensions must not cause unacceptable harm to local character, environmental quality or residential amenity. Particular regard should be given to spacing between buildings, safeguarding of privacy, scale and massing of buildings, use of materials and impact on existing landscape and amenity spaces. The cumulative impact of ancillary activities such as car parking and refuse storage can undermine established residential areas and should be given due consideration.