Application:
25/01885/FUL | Demolition of existing rear extension, erection of a part single, part two storey rear extension. Extension of 1no. rear dormer in association with a loft conversion. Insertion of 1no. rooflight to front elevation. | 20 Observatory Street Oxford Oxfordshire OX2 6EW
Our Response:
August 2025
We object to this application. Whilst the terraced row along Observatory Street is not a designated heritage asset, it does sit within the Walton Manor Conservation Area.
Observatory Street is characterised by its two storey 19th century terraced houses. The row of terraced houses along the south side of the street presents a largely unaltered façade, with very few alterations visible from the street and critically no existing rooflights along the front roof slope.
The proposed rooflight on the front elevation of 20 Observatory Street would disrupt the uninterrupted roof slope, setting a worrying precedent. We do not object to the principle of development on the rear roof slope as this is already evident on neighbouring properties.