another planning question!

littlelibrarylass

we have had plans drawn up for an extension to our house and submitted it for informal advice to the planning office. We have been told that it will probably be refused as it is not subservient to the house and is too near our neighbours boundry.

However last year an almost identical extension was approved and has been built across the road from us. differences are that opur house is set back from our neighbours house , the house across the road has a small porch and their next door house had already built a garage adjoining their boundry whereas our neighbour hasn't.
Our neighbour is happy for us to build up to his boundry and has no problem with the plans.
If we go against the informal advice and put in an application and it is refused can we appeal on the grounds that a precedent has been set by the house across the road?
Thanks LLL

phill99

If the situation across the road was identical to yours, then you are right a precedent would be set and you would probably have grounds for appeal. However, by your own admission, it is different so the PO is basing his decision on massing and bulking and over intensification. The fact that your neighbours won't object is irrelevant as the PO has to bear in mind all future occupiers of your neighbouring land. Try and work something through with the PO. Its easier to have them on your side than not!

planning_officer

very true - rarely are 2 properties and sites identical! Every application is judged on its own merits, and from your description of the house opposite, there seem to be quite significant differences to your house.

littlelibrarylass

thanks for the replies

would a single storey extension be more favourable received than a double storey?

we only really need the room downstairs but thought that a double storey extension would balance the look of the house better
LLL

planning_officer

Quite possibly, but it's difficult to say without seeing any plans. Single storey extensions are generally ok, unless the design is awful, which I'm sure yours wouldn't be!