Councillors give green light to controversial extension

The application to extend the house in Dover Road, off Ecclesall Road, would normally have been decided by Sheffield Council's planning officers.

But the proposal attracted so much controversy that councillors on a planning board made the decision after hearing details of the scheme and the views of objectors.

Planning officials described the extension as a "significant

improvement" over plans for an alternative development at the same property, which already has approval.

However, 27 objections were made to the council raising complaints that the proposal was out of character in an Area of Special Character, it was excessively large, would lead to a loss of privacy and would devalue neighbouring properties.

One concern was that the neighbouring street of Wadbrough Road would be overlooked.

Councillors passed the planning application unanimously, after hearing that the application fell within planning guidelines.

However, planning board chairman Coun John Hesketh said he supported the recommendation "with some reluctance" and suggested there should be a further meeting to discuss the potential for improved screening between the gardens of the house involved and neighbours in Wadbrough Road.

That was not made a condition of the planning consent, however, after councillors were advised that measures such as tree planting could cause problems in future.

Mr Hesketh told the meeting: "I think we are in a difficult position to refuse, given the earlier consent but I do recognise particular difficulties for residents in Wadbrough Road from overlooking."