Neighbour objects to extension plan

A MAN has criticised a neighbour’s plans for a single storey extension to a detached house in Wargrave.

Mr Stubbs and Ms Reeve, of Dark Lane, want to create an open-plan kitchen and living space by demolishing the existing garage, conservatory and outdoor stores in their garden.

Plans include building two small side-facing dormer windows with frosted glass to the side of the property and a slate roof to replace the existing one which is more than 100 year’s old.

The extension includes a combined utility and boot room and two ground floor bedrooms.

A design and access statement by Philip Wadge Architecture said with the removal of the garage, stores and conservatory, the net property footprint would increase by 12 sq m.

Neighbour Nicholas Flann has submitted concerns about loss of privacy to Wokingham Borough Council, the planning authority.

He said: “The new dormer window would face directly into our garden. Despite being frosted glass, there is no mention of it being fixed [unopenable] and in any case, glass can very easily be changed. Looking at the plans, there appears to be an easy opportunity instead to put a window in the bathroom wall to the rear of the property which would not overlook our property or any other property.

“As this new dormer would look straight into our back garden at a relatively close distance, we feel like this would impact significantly on our privacy.

“There is an existing first floor window on the south east elevation which also overlooks our garden and impacts on our privacy.

“However, we note its change in use from part bathroom/part office to master bedroom which would result in an increased area of non-bathroom window overlooking our property.”

However, Mr Flann added that he had no objection to the other details in the plans submitted.

Wargrave Parish Council supported the application and had no objections following a full committee meeting on Monday last week. The borough council will make a final decision by May 26.