Semi detached stepped rear extension

[John Webb]

Dear all,
 

We're looking to build an extension along our party wall on our semi-detached house which has a stepped rear. I understand that Permitted Development won't be granted as the stepped side wall means any extension will have a width greater than half the width of the original house. 

 

(https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/830643/190910_Tech_Guide_for_publishing.pdf page 22)  

  

A couple of years ago, when we first moved in, we had some advice from a local architectural firm said that "The London Borough of Barnet’s interpretation of planning policies differs from other boroughs, and they deem a rear extension as a side extension to the back addition. The standard permitted development rights are not the same for a rear extension as a side extension and therefore planning permission will be required for this to work but will be granted to a depth of 3.5m.” 

 

However, 2 of our neighbours, 3 and 4 houses away, have both now extended similar properties to 4.5m which is what we would like to do. They used prior notification and none of the neighbours replied/complained about the proposed work. Barnet’s planning decision said “although the depth of the proposal exceeds the recommended guidelines of 3.5m, the proposal is deemed acceptable as both neighbouring properties have rear extensions.” 

 

Our problem is that our adjoining neighbour hasn't extended. My question is.. 

Will planning permission be granted to 4.5m, as some of the houses on our road have been extended by that amount and so a precedent has been set, or is it likely to be refused because our adjoining neighbour hasn't extended and 4.5m will be considered excessive and reduce their access to light? 

Does the fact we will be extending along the party wall change anything if we were to go down prior approval route in the hope our neighbour wouldn’t complain? 

 

I've attached a picture which I hope shows the situation. 

 

Many thanks for your help

 

John

 

 

Edited April 22, 2022 by John Webb
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