House Extensions and Alterations - Wigan Council

LDFWIGANLOCALDEVELOPMENTFRAMEWORKHouse Extensions SPDWigan CouncilFIVEGood Practice forHouseholderDevelopmentSubmissions5.1 This section will outline a numberof considerations that should be taken intoaccount before an extension or alterationis proposed. It will also detail thenecessary procedures for a successfulplanning application.Benefits of Good Design5.2 It is strongly recommended thatearly professional advice is sought for anyproposals to alter or extend a dwelling asthis will help in the examination of thedesign options and the costing of thescheme. If a proposed scheme involvesa listed building, trees, or is within aconservation area, ensure that the advisorhas experience or specialises in dealingwith such sensitive situations.5.3 The use of a good designer willsave time and money by offering a goodquality design which addresses all theissues outlined in this document.Furthermore, it is likely to be repaid interms of reduced maintenance costs,more efficient building performance andan increased re-sale value of the dwelling.Site Appraisal and Survey5.4 An appraisal of the surroundingarea, the existing dwelling and its settingshould be undertaken as part ofunderstanding the context of the site andmaking design decisions with regards toextensions.5.5 An appraisal should note uniquecharacteristics of the building, the site andits immediate surroundings. It may note:key views and ground level changesacross the site;relationships to adjoining dwellingsand whether walls are blank orcontain windows;the position of trees, their canopiesand root spread as well as otherlandscape features;the path of the sun and shadows thatwill be cast from buildings and trees;site access points;any subsidence and other miningrelated hazards;and service constraints.31