Planners being conservative

[Marmax]

I’ve put in for planning and the case officer has just been to visit site because one of my neighbours has kicked off.
I got the feeling from him that they are going to refuse it because it’s “different”.
To say I’m a bit pissed off is a understatement.

[Marmax]

It’s typical 1980,s developer rubbish with obligatory upvc conservatory. It is detached neighbours to the side but field to the rear.

[Marmax]

So said:

In my experience, planners prefer exactly the opposite. They like to see extensions that reflect the time they were built, even if it appears to a layperson like it's totally out of keeping.

That’s what I would have thought but it wasn’t the impression I was given today.

[Marmax]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

No, my neighbour likes 10ft high hedges.

[Marmax]

barryrs said:

I like the concept but do have a couple of comments.

Is that a balcony? Thats a big No in my area unless some screening is introduced.
Is the 2 storey extension higher than the eaves? It might be worth introducing an element of pitched roof even if just a 1m or 2 as it will lessen the impact to the neighbour.

The architect did originally spec a balcony but I got them to scrap it.

[Marmax]

Toltec said:

We are having to build a house that looks like it was built in the fifties then modernised. Tried for something more contemporary, but it wasn't to the planning officers taste. She seemed to have a preference for neo-mocktudor or faux Georgian mcmansions.

I feel your pain.

[Marmax]

wisbech said:

I like it too - but is 1920-30 Bauhaus reflective of now or 100 years ago...?

Design and taste comes and goes. I don’t think 1980 Barrat houses met either.

[Marmax]

Equus said:

I think this is your problem, bluntly.

Ironically, if it was attached to something with a bit more character, they might be more receptive to it (indeed there have been RIBA prize winners that take a not dissimilar approach).

Attached to a 1980's brick box, it becomes an exercise in turd polishing.

Or to use another analogy: if you see a Ferrari being driven by someone young, obviously rich, and glamorous, that's fine. If you see one being driven by an older person of sophsticated appearance, that's fine, too.

If you see one being driven by a 5'4" bloke with a beer belly and a combover, dressed in a polyester suit, that's just cringe inducing...

Not all of us can be glamorous and well presented, of course (...don't I know it?), but if you're really very average, you should at least have the good taste to recognise the fact, and not pretend to be something you aren't.

FWIIW, I don't dislike the approach, but I think it needs a parent property with greater strength of character to carry it off.

:stands back and waits for the abuse:

I agree fully it is polishing a turd but I think it’s better to polish it than stick another turd on it.

[Marmax]

Equus said:

Well, I think you might find that the Planners disagree.

They may well take the view (and I would support them to some degree) that the character of the neighbouring development simply isn't robust enough to carry it off.

I suspect you are right.
I didn’t realise the planners were so conservative regarding rear extensions.

[Marmax]

Lotobear said:

OP,

That extension won't be cheap in itself to construct - not being funny but why not just knock the existing house down and build a completely new dwelling desiged to the same architectural style?

....then you can build the whole edifice to a high standard of energy efficiency (that will tick boxes I'm sure)

I take it you didn't consult before going in with your app?

I’d love to knock it down but if the planners won’t pass a rear extension I can see them passing a new build.

[Marmax]

Muncher said:

How about changing the appearance of the rest of the house to match it better?

It is getting updated but obviously not to everyone’s taste.

[Marmax]

Equus said:

Notwithstanding my other concerns, is that intended to be a balcony on the right hand side (or could it conceivably be converted to one in the future)?

If so, the planners really really wont like it, if it's on a typical '80's estate.

Definitely not a balcony.
I’m not one for looking down on my neighbours.
No one to the rear just open fields.

[Marmax]

55palfers said:

Maybe if it wasn't grey?

Black.?

[Marmax]

Lotobear said:

OP,

That extension won't be cheap in itself to construct - not being funny but why not just knock the existing house down and build a completely new dwelling desiged to the same architectural style?

....then you can build the whole edifice to a high standard of energy efficiency (that will tick boxes I'm sure)

I take it you didn't consult before going in with your app?

I didn’t consult as I didn’t think rear extensions were such a biggie.
I’d love to knock it down but can’t justify the cost.
I am planning on a full back to brick renovation as it’s a st hole.

[Marmax]

cptsideways said:

I'm seeing lots of these style designs, obviously architects only work with Microsoft Paint these days. It seems bolting on an awful industrial box designed by a five year old to your semi is the new thing.

Sorry, I can see why they object

It’s the current trend..

[Marmax]

DoubleD said:

To me, it looks like a shipping container thats been bolted onto the back of a house. It is very "now" though, the issue with that is fashion comes and goes very quickly.

It is very now. What should I do though? Replicate the 80s Barrat style.

[Marmax]

So said:

I wonder whether you might have a phone conversation with the PO, ask whether the scheme is likely to pass, if not withdraw and resubmit with the assistance of a planning consultant. In my experience, councils don't have much stomach for a battle over something trivial and when all is said and done it is at the BACK.

Alternatively resubmit a design that looks like an actual turd.

I have had a conversation with the planning officer,and I got the feeling they would prefer a turd.
If it gets knocked back I’ll probably scrap the idea and retire 5 years earlier with the money I’ll have saved.

[Marmax]

So said:

Could you post her a turd and tell her it's a scale model of your revised proposal?

You can tell I am fond of planning officers, can't you.

Good idea.

[Marmax]

littlebasher said:

No offence intended OP, but it looks like something my son built in minecraft - just without the blocks of TNT

None taken. It would be a pretty dull world if everyone’s taste was the same.

[Marmax]

jules_s said:

Unless you live in the garden you wont be enjoying the look of your extension too much

Just render with it with black accents

I do spend a vast amount of my spare time in the garden.
The reason for the rendering is the brickwork is very shabby with spalling and poor workmanship.