Side Extension/Return Advice - Courtyard or no Courtyard?

[luckynumber37]

Hi all,

My partner and I are about to submit a planning application for a side extension on our ground floor flat in East Dulwich. We note that the majority of the deigns people go for include a small courtyard/lightwell outside the groundfloor bedroom window. We would like to utilise this space within the flat itself, perhaps as an en suite or walk in wardrobe, but we understand the reason people have the courtyard, is to provide an 'outlook' from that bedroom. We're hoping we can get around this by having a window above the roofline of the extension, providing plenty of natural light and even a bit of an outlook given the property steps down at the back. Attached is a photo of a project we found in Fulham that did this successfully.

Has anyone had or know of anyone that has had this design approved on a ground floor flat in Southwark? Or does anyone have any advice/experience they could share?

Thank you very much in advance!

[SpringTime]

Will PM you

[fishbiscuits]

I always thought that those little courtyards were to get around party wall issues. Maybe I'm wrong.

[almost peckham]

I think some side extensions include a void to avoid rerouting the sewage/waste pipes. Have a look where your manhole cover is.