Planning appeal decision
27 Porters Hill, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 5HP
Planning appeal 3372522 at 27 Porters Hill, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 5HP (St Albans City Council) was allowed on 8 January 2026 by Inspector Bowyer J, by written representations. The main issue, as the Inspector framed it: The effect of the single-storey rear extension on the living conditions of the occupiers of 29 Porters Hill in respect of whether or not it would be overbearing.
‘single storey side, rear and front extension with roof lights, garage conversion, external material change from brickwork to render’
- Authority
- St Albans City Council
- Appeal type
- householder · Householder (HAS)
- Procedure
- Written Representations
- Development
- residential · Householder developments
- Inspector
- Bowyer J
- Postcode
- AL5 5HP
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- The effect of the single-storey rear extension on the living conditions of the occupiers of 29 Porters Hill in respect of whether or not it would be overbearing
What decided it
The specific site circumstances, including the neighbour's elevated land level, the positioning of its windows and side projection, and the extension's modest height and flat roof, would prevent it appearing overbearing despite exceeding the 3m depth guideline.
What the Inspector cited
- Development plan policies
- Policy 72 of the St Albans District Local Plan Review 1994
How the Inspector dealt with each one is set out in the app, in order: the development plan, national policy, housing land supply, other considerations and the planning balance, beside the letter.
See how each was appliedThe decision letter
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With an account
What an account adds to this decision


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The main issues, what decided it, the planning balance and the policies and judgments listed as cited are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro and are our summary, not the Inspector’s words; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.
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