Planning Appeal Success, When Lambeth Council refused this homeowner’s application for an extra storey, HEAL Planning Appeals stepped in. Despite concerns about terrace uniformity and visual impact, the Planning Inspector allowed the appeal under Class AA of the GPDO.
In this video, we break down:
✅ Why Lambeth Council refused the proposal
✅ What the Planning Inspector said
✅ How HEAL Planning helped overturn the refusal
✅ What this means for your planning appeal
📍 Location: Lambeth, London
📝 Appeal Ref: APP/N5660/D/25/3360966
🏛️ Planning Ref: 24/03086/P1AA
The original application, submitted under Class AA of the General Permitted Development Order, sought prior approval to add a full additional storey to the mid-terraced home, increasing the building’s overall height to 8.05 metres.
Lambeth Council refused the application on the basis that the proposed extension would be an alien addition, out of keeping with the appearance of the host property and the terrace it sits within. They argued it would disrupt the uniformity of the street and fail to respond positively to the local character, citing non-compliance with the limitations of the GPDO.
The homeowner came to HEAL Planning for advice and support. As always, we started with a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our specialist planning appeal officers. After reviewing the full details, we confirmed that the decision could be appealed. We then provided a clear, written proposal outlining our planned approach, so the client could make a fully informed decision.
We took the appeal forward, and the Planning Inspectorate carried out a site visit in June. Just a few weeks later, on the second of July, the Inspector issued a decision — and allowed the appeal.
The Inspector carefully considered the council’s concerns about visual impact, but found that the local context painted a very different picture. The property is part of a 1970s estate that stands apart from the nearby St Marks Conservation Area. The Inspector noted that there was already a strong visual separation, helped by green space and mature trees between the two areas.
Importantly, the Inspector also identified that there are already several other properties in the estate that have received similar upward extensions. While Lambeth had argued the proposal would disrupt the terrace, the Inspector concluded that such changes were not uncommon in the area and had become part of the local character.
They also acknowledged that the materials and flat-roof design of the proposed extension would respect the appearance of the existing building. As such, the proposed development would not represent an alien addition, nor would it harm the setting of the nearby conservation area. On this basis, prior approval was granted.
This result is a clear example of how a well-prepared appeal, based on careful policy analysis and a clear understanding of local precedent, can overturn an initial refusal. It also shows that councils don’t always get it right — and that assumptions about design impact need to be carefully tested.
At HEAL Planning , we specialise in cases like this. Every planning refusal is unique, and we tailor each appeal to address the specific reasons for refusal, using both local and national policy, and real-world examples.
Additional Floor Prior Approval Planning Appeal Lambeth Council
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