An architect has successfully appealed to extend his home in Brighton after initial planning permission was denied by local councillors
Initially, the planning committee shot down his application, even after a report suggested they should approve it. It was a close call, ending in a tie, and the chair, Liz Loughran, had to step in with her casting vote.
The councillors were worried about the design, saying it would create a “higher blank façade” at the back of a neighboring house. They also thought it might harm the Preston Park Conservation Area.
But planning inspector John Allan had a different take. He pointed out that the extension was pretty modest and would fit in well with the existing building, which already had a blank wall.
He reassured everyone that the space between the houses would still be fine and wouldn’t feel cramped. Plus, he didn’t see any harm to the conservation area.
Even though Mr. Aitkenhead won the appeal, he didn’t get any costs covered since the committee made their decision based on solid planning principles.
