What To Do: The main house and proposed new house must each have adequate private open space to development plan standards.

Impact on neighbouring properties kept to a minimum regarding natural light, privacy, etc. Excessive shadow over adjoining gardens should be avoided. If the new building projects past the existing house to the rear, side windows should be designed not to view the neighbouring garden.

The new house must respect front and side building lines of existing properties on the road.

The character of the streetscape to be preserved.

Design and scale should integrate with adjacent dwellings. Typically, the new structure should not be higher than existing houses.

Parking - at least one space per unit provided for existing and new buildings in most (but not all) cases.

Mews developments should allow 22 metres of garden between existing and new house.

The new dwelling cannot create a traffic hazard if on a corner site - i.e. if sight lines are obscured.

Check if the local authority has a minimum floor area per room.

Arrange a pre-application discussion between the architect and planner to ensure design is compliant.

An alternative suggestion: persons on the housing list can apply under the council's Extensions in Lieu of Overcrowding scheme. This provides a loan to extend an existing property, to provide separate accommodation for adult family members. Evidence of overcrowding has to be established by the Housing Construction department