This is a proposal for a Loft Conversion on a semi-detached property in Heswall, the property is set on an estate of similar properties built around the mid 1960’s

The other half of the property already has a loft conversion, the proposed conversion would seek to balance the appearance of the properties by mirroring the existing construction.

This was not a view shared by the Planning dept., who regarded the proposal as an ‘unduly obtrusive feature’ and refused Planning Permission for the conversion.

A copy of the Planning Departments refusal is attached below.

http://www.wirral.gov.uk/planning/makeDecisionDetails.asp?appnum=20057689

Following on from the refusal, an appeal was made to the ODPM’s Planning Inspectorate, which argued against the Planning Departments reasons for refusal with regard to their own planning guidelines

The Appeal was made by the ‘Written Representation’ process, which is were the Appeal, along with written argument supporting the case for allowing the Appeal is submitted to Bristol, the Planning Authority then submits written argument supporting dismissal of the Appeal. The Planning Inspector then visits the site to view the site and the proposed development, studies the arguments both for and against the Appeal, then comes to a formal decision.

In this instance the Planning Inspector agreed with the arguments made for allowing the Appeal and gave formal Planning Permission for the loft conversion.

A copy of the Planning Inspectors Decision Notice is attached below.

http://www.pcs.planningportal.gov.uk/pcsportal/fscdav/READONLY?OBJ=
COO.2036.300.2.4304044&NAME=/Decision%20letter.pdf