Neighbour’s extension ‘will block my light’

A NEIGHBOUR has said plans to extend a terraced house in Henley would block their natural light.

Rachel Law, of Gainsborough Crescent, wants to add a two-storey rear extension as well as reconfigure the ground floor to create an open plan living space.

On the first floor, the family bathroom would be extended to accommodate a separate bath and shower. A front porch would also be built.

Neighbour Steven Painter has written an objection to South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority.

He said: “The two-storey element will totally block out any natural light to our kitchen through the existing Velux window.

“Also, the height of the roof on [the] proposed new extension will impede our existing solar panels.

“We also object to log burner proposals in the ground floor area as [the] flue outlet will be expelling waste products and smoke on to our patio and entertainment area, causing dirt and dust to be blown into our property.”

The Henley Society conservation group has also objected, saying that it was too large a development for a “small plot” and it did not like the wood burner flue at ground level.

Councillor Michelle Thomas opposed the plans as the flat roof proposed would not be in keeping with the other houses.

Speaking at a planning committee meeting on Tuesday last week, she said: “The neighbours have a pitch on their roof and when it’s a terraced house, it’s much better to be in keeping.

“It’s a bit brutal-looking. The neighbour should not be concerned about the flue [from the log burner] but legally it has to reach very high to make sure neither neighbour is affected.

“Log burners are going out of fashion now because people do not know [if] they have an impact on the environment.

“I think they will start to become unpopular with householders. I would be advising people not to put these in for that reason.”

The committee recommended the plans were refused on the grounds that the extension is not compliant with the design guide but that they would be “satisfied” with a pitched roof.

The district council will make a final decision by May 7.