Small Site Win: Consent on Challenging Green Belt Plot

We have secured planning permission for a new two storey detached house in Bournheath, Worcestershire, creating over 1,200 square feet of residential floorspace on an underused part of our client’s garden.

Although the site itself is level, the land and houses opposite sit significantly lower, which introduced challenges in and opportunities for objectors based on the proposal’s perceived height and overall impact on the street scene. Through sensitive design, we were able to achieve two storeys by lowering the eaves line, setting the building back from the road, and through careful positioning of upstairs windows. A simple gabled form and restrained materials contribute to a simple, well-balanced frontage.

Window placement was carefully considered to prevent overlooking of neighbours, and the perception of overlooking, which can also be an emotive subject for neighbours. New planting and a retaining wall along the front softened the transition between the site and the public realm, which dealt with early objections.

Despite initial resistance to the idea of a dwelling on multiple grounds, we made some refinements and obtained additional reports allowing the planning officer to conclude the house would integrate well with the street and not harm the character of the Green Belt, recommending approval under delegated powers