A contentious bid to redevelop a house in Bonchurch has been appealed following an Isle of Wight Council refusal earlier this year.
Hendrik Sabert has lodged an appeal over a rejected application to renovate, extend and install roof-top solar panels on Beechcliff at Maples Drive.
His proposals included a first floor level extension above an existing garage, a glazed conservatory extension to the south of the property, new window openings and changes to existing ones and significantly improving the energy and environmental performance of the house including preparing an air source heat pump installation.
Other works listed include a replacement and extension of a balcony, new external stairs and sliding doors, general repair work, a detached greenhouse to the west of the building, installing roof-top solar panels, changes to a sea-facing terrace, drainage system improvements and replacing an existing cement tile terrace around Beechcliff’s swimming pool.
Explaining its refusal on 24th September, a council report said:
“The proposed first floor garage extension, as well as the proposed solar panels, would be likely to conflict with and have a detrimental impact on existing high amenity trees, adversely impacting the amenity, character and potentially also the health of these trees to the detriment of the amenity and character of the area.
“The proposed first floor extension would be unacceptable in terms of size, scale and design.
“The excessive footprint and flat roof design would result in an incongruous form of development which would appear stark and out of character with the application dwelling.
Article continues below this advertisement “It would appear overly dominant as viewed in the public realm.”
The Officer Written Justification added the development was incompatible with the Isle of Wight’s planning policy framework, the Island Plan Core Strategy, and the National Planning Policy Framework.
Ventnor Town Council also objected to the application stating:
“The committee feel that – in light of the recent landslip in Bonchurch – a more detailed geological study should be undertaken.
“The application is over-development of the site, with the number of windows adding to light pollution.”
What has installing solar panels got to do with trees???? I thought installing solar panels on a sloping roof didn’t require planning permission….On a flat roof- yes.
Read it again…it is a flat roof design. The issue about the trees is to do with the location, Maples Drive sits underneath the trees on Banas Close, which would have to be lopped in order to create the sun needed for solar panels on the flat roof. Added to which they are going on a garage extension….up level with Banas Close.
“Read it again…it is a flat roof design”,.. the extension is, yes,.. but..
did you actually look at the planning application?? , or just read the non-definitive report here ??
“…the sun needed for solar panels on the flat roof”
according to the planning applicaiton, the solar panels are to be fitted to the south facing pitch (e.g. away from view of any higher properties), on the existing pitched roof…
looking at the photos of the existing property,.. all visibility of the current, or extended property would be obscured from any neighbouring property by the existing trees, and no trees would need to be lopped for the solar panels
Let the guy do what he wants, many home owners don’t
even get planning permission and do what they want.
Planning is a funny old game.