HOUSE improvements, including a new extension, could occur at a detached family home.

A planning application was submitted to Northumberland County Council for a new extension at Eden House, on Ridley Mill Road, Stocksfield and other modifications, by the agent Doonan Architects Ltd.

The full proposals include a north extension to create utility space, office, and cloakroom, and to extend the existing kitchen and the bathroom, both on the ground floor, and create an additional bedroom creation at the first-floor level. 

The design and access statement said: "Extensions and alterations are proposed to the existing dwelling to adapt it to the owners’ changing needs and form an extended three-bedroom home."

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Two previous planning applications to create the extension submitted to the county council were refused, the first in June 2022 and the second in August 2023.

"Following extensive discussions with the local authority planning department and consultees, the proposals have again been adapted to address the extent of development, overlooking concerns and impact on the Ancient Woodland," the statement said.

"The main extension is proposed to the north-east of the existing house. This combines a two-storey extension to the existing offshoot as well as a new two-storey offshoot adjacent to this. This will provide an extended bedroom and home office at first-floor level.

"Between the two-storey extensions and the retaining wall at the boundary of the Ancient Woodland, a single-storey lean-to extension will infill the space. At ground floor level this provides an extended existing kitchen, utility room and WC.

"The single-storey element ensures that natural light can penetrate these areas via two rooflights. These are kept to a minimum on this elevation to prevent excess light spill into the Ancient Woodland."

No construction is proposed in the ancient woodland.

An ecological impact assessment and bat survey concluded: "Without any mitigation the proposed works will result in minimal impact on the bat and bird population present. The provision of mitigation in the form of a built-in box and replacement oak saplings will help maintain biodiversity over the existing site."

For more information, go to the council's planning portal and search reference number 24/00837/FUL.