53 St Johns Green, Colchester CO2 7EZ

1. 1.The contrived positioning and excessive scale of the proposed rear extensions would result in material harm to the pleasant and historically sensitive character of the Conservation Area, diminishing the qualities enjoyed by St John�s Green and the numerous listed buildings that frame it. In addition, the proposed timber open porch would introduce unnecessary visual clutter to the Green, undermining its valued openness, its informal spatial qualities, and the characteristic pattern of development arranged loosely around its perimeter, aside from the singular row of terraced houses positioned directly upon it. The contrived form of the proposed porch and the unsympathetic design and massing of the rear extension do not meet these statutory expectations, as they neither preserve nor enhance the identified heritage sensitivities. In light of the above, the proposal is contrary to Local Plan Policy DM16, which requires development to conserve or enhance the historic environment and to protect features of historic, archaeological, architectural, or artistic interest. The scheme also conflicts with Policy ENV1 of the adopted Local Plan, which establishes that the Local Planning Authority will conserve and enhance Colchester�s natural and historic environment. In this instance, the porch and rear extension fail to achieve those aims, instead resulting in avoidable harm to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and to the setting of nearby heritage assets. Furthermore, the proposal fails to comply with Sections 66(1) and 72 (1) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and IMPORTANT – ATTENTION IS DRAWN TO THE NOTES ATTACHED DC1001MWD Conservation Areas) Act 1990 which require decision makers to give considerable importance and weight to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of Conservation Areas, and to have special regard to the desirability of preserving a listed building, its setting, or any features of special architectural or historic interest it possesses. In addition to this, the proposal fails to accord with the NPPF (2024). Paragraph135(c) of Section 12 requires development to be sympathetic local character and history, including the surrounding built environment and landscape setting. Paragraphs 208 and 210 of Section 16 further require local planning authorities to identify and assess the significance of any heritage asset affected by a proposal and, in determining applications, to consider the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of those assets and ensuring new development contributes positively to local character and distinctiveness. The scheme fails to meet these national requirements, as it neither sustains significance nor contributes positively to its historic context. For these reasons, the application does not comply with local or national policy, nor does it satisfy the statutory tests relating to the protection of designated heritage assets and Conservation Areas.

From the council's decision notice.

Postcode

CO2 7EZ

Application type

Full (8 Week Determination)

Scale / size

Small

Parish

Colchester

Date validated

9 March 2026

Consultation expiry

9 April 2026

Consultation end

9 April 2026

Target decision date

4 May 2026

Statutory period

56 days

Appeal result

l

UPRN

100090477143