A GARAGE built without planning permission and then extended will be allowed to remain in place.
The now two-storey L-shaped building at the end of a large garden extends for more than 10 metres and across almost the entire width of the garden but planning officers said it is “visually acceptable”.
Plans show the garage, with roller shutters and a patio door, was originally 6.7 metres wide, and a depth of 8.5m, including a plywood storage area at the rear.
A garden room has also been built at the side of the original garage, giving the building its L-shape, and extending the total width to approximately 10.7m and the depth to a maximum 10.6m though the maximum height remains at approximately 2.8m.
Planning officer Caroline Pulley said the building, in the garden of a home named Rosehilla on Freeholdland Road in Pontnewynydd, Pontypool is “situated a significant distance from neighbouring habitable room windows and is further screened by close boarded fencing along both side boundaries.”
The Torfen Borough Council officer said: ” The enlarged structure continues to be served by a flat roof and provides both garage and ancillary garden room accommodation.”
Applicant Zilvinas Gausmanas, who asked for permission to retain the garden room and garage, said work had started in August 2025 and was completed by August 1 this year.
Ms Pulley said the main issues to consider where whether there is an acceptable impact on the character and appearance of the existing property and wider street scene and the amenities of neighbouring properties.
Its limited height, subordinate scale and position within a “spacious rear garden” means there’s no detrimental impact on the character or appearance of the main house.
Neither is it highly visible from public vantage points and its “sympathetic rendered finish” make it “visually acceptable”.
Ms Pulley’s report said there was no adverse impact on neighbouring homes and stated: “It is also noted that no letters of objection or representation have been received in relation to the application.”
Three bird nesting boxes will have to be placed in the garden, to satisfies the requirement to provide biodiversity enhancements, within two months.