Extension plans to historic Bridgnorth property met with opposition

Applicant Nick Darrall, who lives at the property on East Castle Street, Bridgnorth, has applied for planning permission to make alterations to the rear of the property.

The property is a three-storey Georgian terraced house on the cul-de-sac road of East Castle Street and once occupied by Thomas Telford in 1792.

The rear of the Grade II listed property is adjacent to the Cliff Railway and has elevated views over the River Severn.

Mr Darrall plans to demolish a single-storey outhouse and build a single-storey glass extension.

At a meeting of Bridgnorth Town Council's planning committee on Monday residents spoke of their upset about the plans.

Neighbour Wendy Rushton, of East Castle Street, said she strongly opposes the plans due to a loss of light and privacy.

She said: "The proposed single storey extension will be protruding by approximately eight foot above the garden wall and runs beyond the full length of my kitchen/dining/office room. It will cut out my natural light.

"My life literally will be plunged into darkness and the joy I have living in this house will be taken away. It will cause me an awful amount of distress and affect my health and wellbeing.

“It will have a devastating effect on me and it looks very out of character."

Barry Lewis, another resident of East Castle Street, said he was concerned the application would set precedents and eventually result in a significant change to the fabric of the street.

He added: "We are in favour of modernisation but only when it is in keeping with the footprint and has no impact on neighbours."

Bridgnorth mayor Councillor Vanessa Voysey said she was "not keen" on the application.

She said: "It does not enhance the building or the area. It looks out of character for the building and area."

Councillors voted to recommend refusal as members felt that the proposals would set a precedent and were out of scale and character for a listed building in a conservation area.

A document submitted on behalf of Mr Darrall said: "The proposal will enhance and preserve the important historical elements of the building by ensuring that the building is concurrent with contemporary living standards and will be afforded a high level of care and maintenance it deserves.

"The proposals will not conflict with adjacent heritage assets as no alterations are being proposed at the front other than any detailed refurbishment carried out under the guidance of the conservation officer.

"The proposal will maintain the building as a purely residential home in keeping with the surrounding houses and ensure that the building is then used in a way sympathetic to its history."

The plans are available to view on Shropshire Council's website.