Visibility

The eastern wing of the proposed building would be just under 7m from the shared boundary with No.1 Ashurst Road. The proposed building would be two storeys at this point and at a lower level than No.1. The proposed building would be visible from the rear windows of the house and the garden but, given the distance, difference in levels and orientation, I do not consider that it would have an unacceptable visual impact.

The rear wing would also drop to two storeys at its closest point to the shared boundary. This part of the proposed building would be some distance from the house. It would be screened by the hedge on the shared boundary and I do not consider that it would appear overbearing from the adjoining garden.

Windows

Other than to a corridor, there would be no windows in the nearest elevation of the proposed building facing No.1 Ashurst Road. Windows in the rear wing would be 28m from the rear windows to this property and any views would be obscured by the existing and proposed screening on the shared boundary.

Shadow

The occupier of that property questions the veracity of the appellant’s shadow diagrams. However, I have no reason to question the appellants’ assertion that they were prepared in accordance with BRE Guidelines (Site Layout Planning for Sunlight-A Guide to Good Practice). This is an accepted method for assessing the impact of buildings on sunlight and the analysis shows that there would be no significant overshadowing of No.1 or its garden. I conclude, therefore, that the proposal would not have an unacceptable impact on the living conditions of the occupiers of No.1 Ashurst Road and that it complies with Policy Ho 9(v) of the Local Plan.