Vertical Extension Approved in Brent
Planning permission from the London Borough of Brent for a bungalow-to-two-storey conversion in Wembley, resolving amenity and design objections after two previous refusals.
PLANNING APPROVALSBRENTLONDON
Andrew Ransome
6/8/20262 min read
In 2014, I was brought in to find a planning solution after our client had multiple rejections from the London Borough of Brent for their plans to vertically extend their bungalow in Wembley.
Through design advice and a new planning startegy we were able to overcome the London Borough of Brent's concerns and achieve a planning permission for our client.
Overcoming Brent's Previous Concerns
The London Borough of Brent had twice refused planning permission for the conversion of a detached bungalow in Wembley into a two-storey dwelling.
The core planning issues centred on two matters: the impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties, and the design and character of the proposal. The site sat between a two-storey semi-detached house and a block of flats.
On amenity, the key challenge was demonstrating compliance with Brent Council's SPG5 guidance. The scheme was revised to a two-bedroom dwelling with a study room, and the revised layout was shown to meet the SPG5 criteria.
The side-elevation windows of the neighbouring property facing the site were confirmed by approved plans to serve only staircases, meaning the proposal would cause no undue harm to those residents.
On design, revised elevational details were prepared and soft landscaping introduced to the front garden to replace the existing hardstanding.
Officers concluded the scheme was of an acceptable design, noting that the mixed character of this road — bungalows, two-storey houses and the adjacent flats — made a two-storey building appropriate on this plot.
Planning permission was granted in accordance with Core Strategy Policy CP17 and UDP Policies BE2, BE7 and BE9.
Planning Application Advice
If you have a development project in Brent or London generally and require expert planning advice, contact me to discuss how I can help secure planning permission and unlock your site’s potential.
Andrew Ransome MRTPI - Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk
About me
Andrew Ransome is a Planning Director and a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), with more than two decades of experience in town planning.
He specialises in delivering strategic planning solutions for complex developments across both rural and urban environments, helping clients navigate planning challenges and unlock development opportunities. Connect with Andrew on Linkedin.
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Get in touch for planning advice: Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk
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