Annex at 51 School Lane, Welwyn, AL6 9PL

described on the application form as ‘Change of use of annex to separate Class C3 dwellinghouse

Authority: Welwyn Hatfield Council
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: residential · Change of use
Inspector: Gunn J

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area

What decided it

The significant harm to the character and appearance of the area, arising from the cramped and intensive use of the plot, outweighs the limited housing benefit even under the tilted balance.

the limited benefit of one additional dwelling does not outweigh the significant harm to the character and appearance of the area

Framework references: 11, 130

Plan policies cited: Policy SP9 of the Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council Local Plan 2016–2036, Supplementary Design Guidance (adopted February 2005)

Judgments cited: Holborn Studios Ltd v The Council of the London Borough of Hackney [2017] EWHC 2823 (Admin)

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