The Malta PH 110 Lower Luton Road Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 5AH

1. 1.The proposed first-floor rear extension, by reason of its scale, massing and proximity to the shared boundary with No. 2C Southview Road, would result in an unacceptable sense of enclosure and loss of outlook and would materially reduce the level of daylight available to the side-facing ground-floor study window at that property and furthermore would introduce a strong perception of overlooking of the garden of 2C Southdown Road. The development would therefore cause undue harm to the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers, contrary to Policies 70 and 72 of the St Albans District Local Plan Review 1994, Policy DES5 of the St Albans Draft Local Plan 2041 Main Modifications, and the residential amenity objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework.
2. 2.The application has failed to demonstrate that future occupiers of the proposed flats would be provided with an acceptable standard of living conditions. Insufficient information has been submitted regarding the impact of noise from the surrounding public house, café, takeaway and highway network; the effects of the proposed relocation of the commercial extraction system; the provision of an effective ventilation strategy where windows may need to remain closed; and the suitability of the proposed balconies and terraces as private outdoor amenity space. Consequently, the Local Planning Authority cannot be satisfied that the development would provide acceptable residential amenity or that the proposed noise-sensitive use can successfully coexist with the established commercial uses in accordance with the agent of change principle. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies 70 and 72 of the St Albans District Local Plan Review 1994, Policies DES1 and DES5 of the St Albans Draft Local Plan 2041 Main Modifications, Policy DP3 and Policy P4 of the National Planning Policy Framework. Christine Traill Strategic Director – Community and Place Delivery Dated 08/09/2026 St Albans City & District Council THIS IS AN IMPORTANT DOCUMENT AND IS LIKELY TO BE REQUIRED WHEN YOU COME TO SELL YOUR PROPERTY. YOU ARE ADVISED TO KEEP IT WITH YOUR TITLE DEEDS. Ref No. 5/26/0948 DC.4

From the council's decision notice.

Postcode

AL5 5AH

Validated

5 June 2026

Agent

Graham and Sibbald