8 Fairview Avenue

Planning Application 173572

Loft Conversion and Rear Dormer Window–at 8 Fairview Avenue

Comments from ACER, The Whitegates Residents Association

ACER wishes to Object to the Application

The large rear dormer as shown is out of place and will cause unacceptable overlooking.

ACER wishes to bring the following points to your attention:

1. A conversion of loft space which includes a large dormer in line with the rear of the property effectively adds a third storey to the house. The windows as depicted would have clear overlooking into previously private areas of neighbouring gardens and would therefore be un-neighbourly.
2. The addition of a very large dormer on a standard roof as at No. 8 completely changes the appearance of the roof and certainly does not blend in to the roof in the way a small dormer would. It therefore appears incongruous and out of place and not in keeping with the character of the area.

3. . The Application does not comply with Wokingham Borough Council criteria as follows:
   1. The Strategic Policy CP3 of WBC states that …’development must be appropriate i to the area in which it is located and must be of high quality design without detriment to the amenities of adjoining land uses and occupiers’.
   2. Furthermore, page 11 of WBC ‘Borough Design Guide ‘, Section 2 ‘General Principles’ refers to WBC Development Strategy policy CP3 and states that development has to be:-
      • Responding appropriately to existing character and identity of area
      • Relating well to neighbours

Clearly, this Application falls outside WBC’s set standards and should therefore be rejected.

4. If the dormer was reduced in size this would reduce the field of regard as far as overlooking is concerned as well as blending in with the existing roof. The difference can be seen in the photograph of the dormers on the roofs of numbers 2 and 4  Fairview Avenue as provided by the applicant. Drawing FA04, Site Photos 1 refers. The larger dormer is ugly and incongruous and permits the occupier to look down directly into the neighbours garden.  The smaller dormer does not allow such intrusive overlooking and it blends into the roof style without being obtrusive.

In summary, the large Dormer as proposed is incongruous and will facilitate overlooking into previously private areas of neighbouring gardens which is un-neighbourly. This Application should therefore be refused.

Planning Application on WDC website