Single and Two Storey Side Extensions

All side extensions should not normally exceed half the width of the existing house, toensure they remain subordinate, and do not become overdominant. Extensions of this typewill be dealt with on their merits, taking into account the spacing between existingproperties and the character of the general area.

Two storey and first floor side extensions can have a significant impact on the street scene. The reduction in width or sometimes the total loss of space between properties can often create a‘terracing effect’ where two properties join to create the impression of a continuous buildingfrontage. This terracing effect can be out of character with the street scene, particularly where houses were originally built as semi detached or detached properties.

In order to protect the character of non-terraced streets and to ensure that extensions aresubordinate in scale and do not result in a terracing effect, two storey and first floor sideextensions should be set back at first floor level from the front wall of the original house by aminimum of 1 metre, and have a lower ridge line than the existing property. This also helps toavoid unsightly matching in of the new walls and roof with the old brick and roof tiles.In those residential areas with high spatial standards and levels of visual amenity it will benecessary to retain a minimum of 1 metre side space to the boundry. The Council will generally require a first floor extension roof to match the shape of the mainroof, as this looks better than a flat roof. A first floor set back and lower ridge height may no tbe required if:

• It would conflict with the existing character of the street scene
• The proposed extension is 1 metre or more off the common boundary
• The adjacent property is incapable of being extended in the same direction
• There is a marked difference in the orientation or house type of the neighbouring property
• There is a significant difference in ground levels with the neighbouring property