Policy information sourced from the Grove Park Neighbourhood Plan

BE1 Extensions and Alterations to Existing Buildings

  1. Alterations and extensions to existing properties (including rear, side and roof extensions), where planning permission is required, should be of a high-quality design that does not impact on the coherence, scale, character and appearance of the townscape and public realm and contributes to the sustainability, resilience and visual harmony of the built environment. Proposals should incorporate, where appropriate
    1. Measures to protect heritage assets (designated and non-designated) and buildings of townscape importance in conformity with Policies HR1-HR2.
    2. Site specific design qualities which reflect the local context and features that complement and make a positive contribution to the built form, landscape setting, architectural characteristics, and detailing of the original building.
    3. Measures to improve the character and quality of the area and the way it functions in terms of accessibility and climate adaptability and health and wellbeing
    4. A material palette which is in harmony with the existing building and townscape.
    5. Use of good quality and sustainable materials durable against climate conditions, with good life cycle performance and energy efficiency.
    6. Height of buildings proportionate to buildings in the vicinity. Any increase in height must be justified and reflect the same building form so that the development appears as part of the original structure and has a positive relationship to adjoining properties.
    7. Front walls that are no higher than 3 feet (0.9m) in height. viii. Front gardens of all sizes should incorporate permeable surfaces in line with best- practice guidance.
  2. Proposals which introduce design features which do not reflect the local vernacular and existing townscape character may be acceptable where they are of an exceptional design quality which will have environmental benefits and will contribute to the enhancement of the public realm as a whole provided that they do not result in unacceptable harm to the appearance of the local Neighbourhood Area.
  3. Where possible measures to remedy the impacts of previous alterations to existing buildings which have weakened the coherence of the urban form or heritage design features through inappropriate boundary treatment, loss of front gardens and removal of architectural detail will be supported.
  4. Additional guidance set out in the Lewisham Extensions and Alterations SPD41.

For more information and policy context please see the Grove Park Neighbourhood Plan