# 34 Vincent Gardens, Brent

- **Decision:** dismissed, 26 August 2026
- **Decided by:** Planning Inspector: K Williams
- **Authority:** Brent (London)
- **Appeal reference:** 6008885
- **Application reference:** 25/3240
- **Procedure:** written-representations
- **Development:** Retention of second-floor rear walk-out balcony, alterations to rooflights and rear door (retrospective)
- **Site context:** inside-settlement
- **Green Belt:** no
- **Framework applied:** August 2026 NPPF
- **Determinative policies:** s38(6), Brent LP DMP1
- **Development plan policies:** Brent Local Plan 2019-2041 DMP1, Residential Extensions and Alterations SPD 2025
- **Main issues:** character and appearance, privacy
- **Tags:** tier-2, householder, retrospective, living-conditions, transitional-no-consultation, costs-application, limited-nppf-engagement

## Summary
A retrospective second-floor walk-out balcony on a suburban semi was dismissed. It harmed the character of the house and caused actual and perceived overlooking of neighbouring gardens. The benefits were limited and private. The 2026 Framework is acknowledged, but the letter cites no Framework policy.

## What made the difference
The change from an approved Juliet balcony to a platform people can stand on and move around. Perceived surveillance counted as harm even over long separation distances (DL ¶14-18).

## Policy findings
- **DMP1 (Brent LP): conflict (significant weight).** wide projecting balcony visually cluttered and incongruous; removal of eaves; elevated overlooking and perceived surveillance of Nos 36 and Randall Avenue gardens (DL 7-19, 27)

## Key facts
- 2021 permission for Juliet balconies only; walk-out balcony materially different (DL 7)
- Enforcement notice already served (DL 4)
- Screening conditions rejected as unassessed and potentially intrusive (DL 21-22)

## Sources
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/appeals/6008885
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/published-document/a7edf316-e373-41dd-bcdb-581f8b5c2997

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Source: https://planningdistilled.org/research/england/nppf-navigator/decisions/PINS-6008885.html

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