Estevan 125 Stanley Hill Amersham Buckinghamshire HP7 9HQ

1. 1.The proposed development, by reason of its excessive bulk, mass, scale, and siting, would result in a visually dominant and cramped form of development that fails to respect the scale, proportions, and form of the existing dwelling or the established character and appearance of the surrounding street scene. The upward and outward extensions of the dwelling, positioned close to the site boundaries and including additional storeys, would appear uncharacteristically intrusive and visually overwhelming within the plot, eroding the sense of space that contributes to the character of the area. The proposal would therefore represent an incongruous and discordant addition, harmful to the character and appearance of the locality, and would fail to preserve a coherent and harmonious street scene. As such, the development conflicts with Policies H11, H15, and H16 of The Chiltern Local Plan (Adopted 1 September 1997) and the Residential Extensions and Householder Development SPD, which seek to ensure that extensions are proportionate, respect prevailing plot relationships, and respond positively to local character. The proposal is therefore unacceptable in design terms.
2. 2.The proposed development, by reason of its excessive height, depth, bulk, and siting in close proximity to neighbouring boundaries, would result in an overbearing and harmful impact on the residential amenity of adjoining occupiers. In particular, the two storey rear projection extending beyond the rear elevation of number 123, the overall increase in height compared to neighbouring dwellings, and the inclusion of a Juliet balcony would lead to an unacceptable loss of privacy through overlooking of neighbouring gardens, a significant loss of daylight to habitable room windows, and a sense of enclosure for adjacent properties. The proposal would also fail to meet appropriate right to light standards for neighbouring habitable spaces. As such, the development would cause undue harm to the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers and is contrary to Policy GC3 and H14 of The Chiltern Local Plan (Adopted 1 September 1997), which seek to safeguard residential amenity.
3. 3.The proposed works involve extensive works which will impact the fabric of the roof, in a location which has been identified as being suitable for foraging bats due to the number of trees within the vicinity and the surrounding rural character. The applicant has failed to submit a preliminary ecological survey or any bat survey. Without adequate survey information it is not possible to assess the impacts of the development on any potential protected species and thus meet the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework. This information needs to be assessed as part of a planning application, otherwise it is not possible to ascertain what mitigation may be required or whether the proposal would have an unacceptable impact on protected species. As such, there is insufficient information to demonstrate that the proposal would conserve and enhance biodiversity and the proposal is therefore contrary to: Policy CS24 of the Core Strategy for Chiltern District (Adopted November 2011); Policy NC1 of the Chiltern Local Plan Adopted 1 September 1997 (including alterations adopted 29 May 2001, Consolidated September 2007 & November 2011); Section 15 (Conserving and enhancing the natural environment) of the National Planning Policy Framework 2024; The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended); and Sections 40 and 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.

From the council's decision notice.

Postcode

HP7 9HQ

Application type

Full Application

Scale / size

Small

Parish

Amersham

Date validated

8 April 2026

Consultation expiry

19 May 2026

Consultation start

28 April 2026

Consultation end

19 May 2026

Neighbour consultation start

28 April 2026

Neighbour consultation end

19 May 2026

Last date for comments

19 May 2026

Target decision date

3 June 2026

Statutory period

56 days

Appeal reference

AP/26/0182

Appeal status

Appeal in progress

Documents

14