Barford house extension given go-ahead despite objections from parish councillors and ecologist

The owners of 2 Avon Close will now benefit from extra rooms inside their home with the property also being extended over the existing garage.

A design access statement drawn up by Warwick-based Inside Out Design pointed out that other properties in the cul-de-sac and the nearby High Street had been extended with one of them having a double height glass extension built similar to the one proposed.

But the plans were opposed by Barford, Sherbourne and Wasperton Joint Parish Council who listed seven reasons why they were unhappy with the scheme. These included the fact that the design was out of keeping with the conservation area of which it was part.

In a letter to the district council’s planning department, parish clerk James Johnson quoted the Barford Village Design Statement.

He said the document stated: “The principle of a conservation area is to prevent damage to the special character of an area through the individual and combined effects of uncontrolled changes to the buildings, spaces and trees that contribute to that character.”

An Avon Close neighbour also objected to the application saying that the glazed rear extension was not in keeping with the rest of the house and a county council wildlife expert urged that a bat survey be carried out.

Ecological assistant Mariya Tarnavska explained: “The Warwickshire Biological Records Centre holds three records of roosting bats within 70 metres from the proposed dwelling - the surrounding area is highly suitable for commuting and foraging bats.

“I consider that the proposed works could potentially impact on an existing bat roost. As an adviser for WDC on ecological matters, I recommend that an initial bat survey is carried out for this application prior to determination.”

The plans were approved by district council planners on the condition that the upstairs side-facing windows of the glazed extension were fitted with obscured glass to protect the privacy of neighbours.

A note was also added to remind the applicant that bats and their roost sites were protected and that a special license may be needed before work is carried out if a bat roost was found at the property.