Cheltenham home extension bid approved amid concerns it will 'loom over neighbour's property'

Plans to extend a home in Cheltenham have been given the go-ahead amid concerns it would “loom over” a neighbour’s home. Jonathan Cox has been granted permission to extend his Pittville home.

The proposals, which include a single and two storey extension of the building at 2 Walnut Close, were referred to Cheltenham Borough Council’s planning committee. This was at the request of Cllr Stephan Fifield (C, Pittville).

Lawrence Pearse, an objector who lives next door with his wife, told the planning committee on April 18 that all his rear rooms face directly onto the property at 2 Walnut Close. “It is in our eyesight at all times,” he said.

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“We have objections to two different parts of the proposed plans. The rear upper storey extension and the side upper storey extension.”

He said this would seriously damage the aspect from all their rear rooms and gardens as well as reducing the light in parts of the garden. “It may be 14 metres from our rear elevation but its bulk, including the gable roof, would very much loom over us," he added.

He said that approving the scheme would make his house and garden "feel like it is hemmed in by walls and buildings and would also impact the attractiveness".

Jonathan Cox, one of the applicants, called on the committee to approve the plans. He said he has lived in the town with his wife and three kids for six years.

And during this time has seen renovation and extensions to detached properties but until recently had been outpriced.

“We feel incredibly lucky to have found a property we can now call our home,” he said. “We instantly fell in love with the character and the opportunity before us."

He said the architect they chose designed the property next door ensuring they kept the design in keeping with the feel of the close. “The distances kept between the suggested extensions and neighbouring properties also meet the requirements provided.”

He said it is significantly smaller than other recent developments in the street.

Councillor Bernie Fisher (LD, Swindon Village) said most homes along that street have changed over the years. “In general, I see nothing wrong with this application,” he said.

The committee followed the officer’s recommendation and voted unanimously to grant permission.