Inspector says West Stafford cottage extension would ‘distort’ look of terrace

8:46am Tuesday 18th November 2008

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EXTENDING a cottage in West Stafford would spoil the look of a terrace, a planning inspector has found.

Olivia Spencer has dismissed an appeal by Richard Bowley against West Dorset District Council’s refusal of permission for the scheme at 1 Talbothayes Cottages.

She states: ‘The proposed side extension, although set marginally back from the front elevation of the cottage, would be a very visible addition that would seriously distort the strong and simple symmetry of the terrace. This symmetry is a defining characteristic of the block and an important feature of this group of buildings, which though not listed or within a conservation area, contribute significantly to the historic rural character of the area’.

She adds that she sympathised with the appellant’s desire for more accommodation for his family but that did not outweigh the wider public interest that planning policies protect.