Property extensions are approved by council

Colehill is set for a wave of small-scale construction as the council signs off a series of home upgrades—ranging from garage conversions and extensions to garden offices and rooftop solar. The approvals reflect a wider shift toward adapting existing properties for modern living while weaving in low‑carbon features where possible.

A pattern of incremental growth—with a light footprint

Rather than large estates or major redevelopment, the latest decisions show a preference for modest extensions and changes of use. These projects typically deliver more living space without the emissions or infrastructure demands of new-build estates, and many can be constructed with recycled materials, higher insulation standards, and efficient heating. Notably, one scheme brings on-site renewable power into the mix through roof-mounted solar panels.

Key approvals across the parish

• 120 Lonnen Road — A single-storey front extension, general alterations, and installation of solar panels on the roof. The panels will allow the household to generate a share of its own electricity, cutting bills and reducing peak-time demand on the grid.
• 60 Lonnen Road — Approval for a single-storey side extension, adding practical floorspace without altering the street’s overall character.
• Lonnen Nurseries — Partial demolition of a storage building and construction of a new home with associated access and parking. Temporary on-site accommodation in a static caravan is permitted during the build, a measure that can streamline construction and reduce travel emissions for contractors.
• 11 Glynville Close — Conversion of a double garage and store into a residential annexe, expanding multi-generational living options while reusing the building shell to limit material waste.
• 59 Leigh Lane — Change of use from garage to living accommodation, a move that typically requires improved insulation, ventilation, and moisture control to meet modern standards.
• Mistletoe Cottage, 8 Leigh Lane — A Certificate of Lawfulness confirms a mobile home within the garden as ancillary accommodation, formalising an arrangement often used for dependent relatives or flexible living space.
• 85 Cutlers Place — A porch infill to create a new WC and relocation of the front door, minor alterations that can improve accessibility and energy performance by tightening the building envelope.
• 30 The Vineries — Rear and side extension, internal remodelling, new garage, and a loft room. Reworking interiors can unlock better daylighting and thermal efficiency when paired with upgraded glazing and insulation.
• 39 The Vineries — A two-storey front extension, plus a first-floor dormer and rooflight. Sensitive dormer design can boost usable space while facilitating natural ventilation and reducing reliance on mechanical cooling.
• 4 Whiteways — Rear extension, re-roofing, and comprehensive internal remodelling, creating opportunities to integrate low‑carbon heating and improve airtightness during the works.
• 4 Hayeswood Road — Rear and side extension with a new porch and modified dormers, updates that can improve weather protection and room layouts.
• 1 Green Bottom — Demolition of an old lean‑to and construction of new single- and two-storey extensions with dormers, replacing underperforming fabric with modern, energy-efficient construction.
• 3 Quarry Road — A 13.5 m² garden office, supporting hybrid work patterns and potentially reducing commuting emissions. High-spec garden rooms can operate efficiently with modest heating and daylight-led design.

Why these changes matter for climate and comfort

• Making existing homes work harder — Conversions and modest extensions typically carry a smaller carbon footprint than building anew, especially when structures and foundations are reused.
• Energy upgrades baked into the build — When roofs are replaced, walls opened, or dormers added, there’s a prime opportunity to fit better insulation, air‑tightness layers, and modern glazing—locking in comfort and lower bills for decades.
• On-site renewables — Solar on 120 Lonnen Road sets a positive precedent. Even a small array can offset a significant share of a household’s annual electricity use, especially when paired with demand‑side measures such as smart controls or battery storage.
• Home working infrastructure — Garden offices reduce pressure on road networks and cut transport emissions. With efficient heating and LED lighting, they can deliver very low operational energy use.

Looking ahead

With each approval, Colehill edges toward a housing stock that is more adaptable, energy-aware, and suited to changing lifestyles. As these projects move from paper to construction, the details will matter: sourcing low‑carbon materials, protecting existing trees and habitats, installing permeable surfaces, and prioritising ventilation with heat recovery where feasible. Done well, these seemingly small steps can add up—easing pressure on the grid, improving home comfort, and shaping a neighbourhood that grows without losing its character.