Wandsworth residents have voiced strong objections to a proposed extension at 7 Blenkarne Road, citing concerns over character, amenity, and heritage. The Planning Applications Committee reviewed the application amidst these objections.
The proposal seeks alterations to the property, including a single-storey rear/side extension and basement enlargement. The single-storey side/rear extension would replace the existing 1930s side garage and rear timber decking. The extension would be set back 1.2 metres from the front elevation and would extend 3.5 metres from the eastern side wall, wrapping around the rear of the building and projecting up to 5 metres beyond the existing rear wall. The extension would have a maximum height of 4.8 metres along the eastern side elevation and up to 5 metres at the rear elevation. The flat roof would incorporate a green roof along with roof lights and slot roof lights. The proposed basement would extend approximately 3.4 metres below existing ground level, measuring up to 17 metres in width and 26.8 metres in depth (including the lightwells). It would include one front lightwell and two rear courtyard/lightwells to provide natural light and outlook.
The property is located within the Wandsworth Common Conservation Area and is locally listed, adding another layer of complexity to the planning considerations. The application was evaluated against a number of planning policies and guidelines, including:
- National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (2024)
- London Plan (2021): Policies D3, D4, D6, D10, D11, D12, D14, H2, H8, HC1, G6, G7, SI2, SI7, SI8, SI12, SI13, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T6.1, T7
- Mayor of London's Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG's): Character and Context (2014), Sustainable Design and Construction (2014), The Control of Dust and Emissions during Construction and Demolition (2014), Housing (2016), Housing Design Standards LGP (2023)
- Wandsworth Local Plan (2023): Policies SDS1, LP1, LP2, LP3, LP6, LP10, LP11, LP12, LP13, LP14, LP25, LP27, LP49, LP50, LP51, LP55, LP56
- Wandsworth's Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD's): Housing (2016), Statement of Community Involvement (2019), Refuse and recyclables in developments (2014)
Objections and Concerns
Several organisations, including the Clapham Society, Battersea Society, and the Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee (CHAC), submitted objections. Their concerns centred on the potential for overdevelopment, harm to the building's character, and the impact on neighbouring properties.
Specific points of contention included:
- Overdevelopment: Objectors felt the extension was too large and out of character with the area.
- Harm to Character: Concerns were raised that the extension would detract from the building's original features and architectural integrity.
- Impact on Neighbours: Potential loss of light and privacy for neighbouring properties was a significant worry.
Councillor Worrell queried the loss of a habitable room, and sought clarification around the removal and relocation of trees, highlighting the considerable comments from the Conservation and Heritage committee, who were against the proposal.
Council's Position
Despite the objections, planning officers recommended approval, citing revisions made to the proposal to address some of the initial concerns. Mr Granger, the East Area Team Manager, noted that officers believe they have achieved a highly contemporary yet successful set of interventions, along with the restoration of some particular positive heritage features.
Councillor Humphreys noted some positives in the scheme, such as the removal of the metal fire escape and the reintroduction of the canopy over the veranda.
However, the CHAC remained unconvinced, with the committee stating that the internal remodelling would amount to the front of the property being retained merely as a facade, with only the front elevation remaining.
Committee Decision
Despite the objections, the committee voted to approve the application unanimously.
