Mansard Roof Extension (Conservation Area)

Local Council: Westminster

Appeal Result: Allowed (Permission Granted)

Description: Erection of a mansard roof extension to provide additional living space for a single family dwellinghouse.

Refusal Stated: "Because of the loss of the original butterfly roof, the mansard roof extension would harm the appearance of this building and fail to maintain or improve (preserve or enhance) the character and appearance of the Westbourne Conservation Area. This would not meet Policies 38, 39 and 40 of the City Plan 2019 - 2040 (April 2021)."

Background: This scheme sought to enhance an existing family home with the addition of a mansard roof extension. However, Westminster strongly opposed the development due to the property being located within the prestigious Westbourne Conservation Area. Nevertheless, LSE proved at appeal that the Local Planning Authority's (LPA) refusal of permission was unjust. We achieved this by recalibrating the weighting associated with the policy quoted by Westminster and exposing a raft of new policies that supported the development. Additionally, we gathered a significant volume of supporting precedents, demonstrating that this form of development had already permeated the Conservation Area and was entirely appropriate for the host dwelling. After reviewing our case, the Planning Inspectorate was compelled to overturn the decision and grant permission via appeal. This was a fantastic result for our client, providing the opportunity to add substantial value and much-needed floorspace.