Proposal: 

Application number: 24/02461/FUL. Formation of 1no. rear dormer with juliet balcony and insertion of 2no. rooflights to front roofslope. Removal of 1no. window to rear elevation and insertion of 2no. windows to existing roof. 

27 Cranham Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 6DD

Our Response:

The Trust was established in 1927 as a charity and local amenity society with the principal aim of conserving and enhancing Oxford and its setting. It takes a forward thinking and positive approach to development, looking to influence change rather than stopping it, preserving the best of the old and encouraging the best of the new. It is committed to ensuring that Oxford can continue to flourish and prosper, whilst protecting its historic character and setting. It is this historic character which OPT believe would be harmed as a result of the proposed works.

The application site, 27 Cranham Street, is located centrally within the Jericho Conservation Area. The site, an end of terrace house, is characteristic of this conservation area with its exposed gable end being a prominent feature within the streetscape. The obstruction of this exposed gable end with a large rear dormer extension would significantly alter the profile of the building, and the entire terrace as a result. OPT believe that the introduction of the proposed rear dormer would have a detrimental impact on the public realm, harming the legibility and significance of the row of terraced houses. 

Though there are other examples of dormer extensions within Cranham Street, these should not set a precedent for further development if it is considered to be harmful. The Jericho Conservation Area Designation Study (2010) describes the existing dormer extensions of Cranham Street  as “inappropriate,” constituting “insensitive development.” The applicants use of “robust” to describe the street in an attempt to justify the proposed development is a mis-understanding of the 2010 Designation Study, underplaying the significance of Cranham Street within the Conservation Area. OPT would also note the elevated prominence of Number 27. Being on the end of the terrace the gable end is far more exposed within the public realm, allowing greater levels of harm to be caused by the alteration of it’s characteristic façade. 

OPT politely urge planning officers to consider the impact which this development would have on the perception of the terraced row, and the visual character of Cranham Street.

Outcome:

Following our objection to the large rear dormer, the application was amended to no longer include this feature.