A homeowner who was refused planning permission for a dormer extension has raised a 54-signature petition from neighbours supporting his cause. Yasin Khonat, who has already built the extension, was told the work did not meet planning guidelines and was refused retrospective planning permission in December 2021.
He than appealed the decision which was upheld by a government inspector in March last year. Now he has submitted a new and amended application to his local council for backdated approval and also sent a petition to the authority.
A supporting heritage statement says: “It is now our intention to amend the rear dormer in line with similar dormer examples within the Corporation Park Conservation Area.” A report was sent to this week's meeting of Blackburn and Darwen Council’s (Lancashire) planning and highways committee, asking it to note the petition
It says: “The petition is submitted specifically in support of dormer extensions to dwelling houses within the Conservation Area (CA) with specific reference to Corporation Park. The petition contains 54 signatures, directly from nearby addresses...
“The petition makes specific reference to inconsistencies on planning decisions within the CA. Further, it is stated the local planning authority (LPA) offer no clear guidance or compromise during the course of an application. The character and appearance of the surrounding area is an important consideration when assessing alterations/additions to a domestic dwelling houses situated within a designated Conservation Area as is the impact of the proposal towards the host property.
“The petition makes specific reference to ‘no clear guidance’ on development proposals to domestic houses within the CA. The LPA offer a rebuttal to this in that detailed guidance is contained within the adopted Residential Design Guide (2012) and the Design Leaflet ‘A guide for extending terraced houses’ (2013). Both documents are available on the council’s website.
“The petition also makes reference to inconsistent planning decisions within the CA. In response to the petitioner’s perception that the advice they receive is predominately negative relating to proposals for rear dormer extensions in the conservation area, this is acknowledged by officers.
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“It should be noted that planning officers always try and suggest revisions to a proposed scheme where appropriate to make it more acceptable. The lead petitioner also states incorrect advice was provided prior to the erection of the dormer at number 10. The advice provided was correct.
“Had the applicant submitted a pre-application enquiry, the applicant would have clearly been made aware the development would not be supported.”
