The Executive Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report on a Draft Design Guide to House Extensions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), which was attached at Appendix 1 to the report. 

The report explained that the SPD gave user-friendly guidance on how planning applications for house extensions would be decided.  Approval was sought to undertake community involvement on the draft SPD, which would be taken into account in the preparation of the final version of the Guide.  It was intended that the consultation would begin in August and last for eight weeks, rather than the usual six, to take account of the school summer holidays.  The new SPD retained much of the guidance within the existing Design Guide, as good practice on the design of house extensions had not changed significantly.  However, the document was brought up to date with new references and links to the new Local Plan policy.  It also took account of changes that had happened in recent years, such as those to permitted development rights for house extensions.  It was anticipated that the final version of the Design Guide would be adopted in the autumn 2020.

Resolved –

(1)      That the Draft Design Guide for House Extensions SPD, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved for consultation;

(2)      That the Deputy Director of Planning, Transport and Regulatory Services be authorised to make any minor amendments necessary to the SPD that did not alter the policy direction, in consultation with the Lead Councillor for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, prior to consultation.