EXTENSION plans for an 18th Century cottage have received allegations of “overshadowing” and “poor design” – but some locals say it is an ‘improvement’.
Mr and Mrs Bahia seek conditional permission to build a part single, part two-storey rear extension onto Gable Cottage, on Elm Road, in Penn, which is Grade II listed.
They also seek to demolish a conservatory and “rundown” outbuilding, and replace a garage door with brickwork and two windows.
READ MORE: Two new builds in Bucks village to be decided after 'concerns overcome'
Another similar application will also be determined alongside this one.
The overall aim is to turn a toy room into a bedroom and to repurpose another bedroom as an office, according to a council document.
PICTURED: A council made map of the area
However, Penn Parish Council objected to the proposal, and 13 letters opposing the plans have been submitted by eight neighbours citing “loss of privacy”, “poor design”, and “overshadowing”.
“We remain concerned about the change in character and impact on a Grade II listed cottage, notably the scale of the rear extension and gable and the change in appearance,” the parish council wrote.
READ MORE: School could get new coach ‘turning circle’ to improve pupil drop-off
Cllr Jonathan Waters called in the application, adding: “I have concerns on the potential impact on listed buildings, of the scale and change of appearance.”
Some neighbours raised concerns the proposal is “overly large”.
However, 12 letters of support have been submitted by ten neighbours, some saying it would “improve and enhance” the cottage.
Gable Cottage was built around 1752 and listed in 1982. It is attached to a neighbouring cottage.
Being a Grade II listed building, “development must preserve its character and appearance”, according to a report.
Therefore, the applicants “must demonstrate tangible public benefits that override any harm that the increase in the size of the structure will provoke”.
The matter is due for debate during an East Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee, on Tuesday, April 6.
The recommendation is to grant conditional permission.
We’ve launched a new Facebook group for local news junkies, politics fans and everyone who wants to keep up to date with the latest issues affecting Penn. Please join the conversation over at Buckinghamshire Politics
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here