Southwold extension given approval

PERMISSION has been given to build a two-storey extension and belvedere at a building in a conservation area in Southwold, despite the town council recommending refusal.

PERMISSION has been given to build a two-storey extension and belvedere at a building in a conservation area in Southwold, despite the town council recommending refusal.

A planning application for the rear extension and belvedere on a property on Barnaby Green was submitted to Waveney District Council.

The property, that was built in the early 20th century and stands within the Old Town Conservation Area, is on the corner of Barnaby Green and the High Street on the main approach to Southwold Town Centre.It houses a corner shop unit and a house.

Although Southwold Town Council had no objection to the extension in principle, it did object to the belvedere which it believed to be out of keeping with the property and neighbouring buildings. The belvedere, a part of a building designed to look out over pleasant views, will give enable the occupiers to look out up and down the High Street. Some local residents objected on grounds of overlooking.

Despite the application being recommended for rejection by officers due to the impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area, the proposal was given the go-ahead by the council's planning committee this week on the condition that the ground floor window was not repositioned, as proposed.