The Committee considered the following planning applications:

5.01 - SE/11/01870/FUL: Plum Paddock, Uckfield Lane, Hever  TN8 7LJ

The proposal was to demolish the existing dwelling and erect a replacement dwelling. The new dwelling would be sited further back into the plot. It would remain as a bungalow but had been designed with a pitched roof up to 6.2m in height.

Officers stated that the development would represent inappropriate development harmful to the maintenance of the character of the Green Belt and to its openness. This was because of the increased floor space and the design and scale of the proposed replacement dwelling.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

            Against the Application:      -

            For the Application:             Mr. Yates

            Parish Representative:       -

            Local Member:                      Cllr. Ryan

Officers explained that the existing property, following extensions, had a floor area of 136.8m². The proposed dwelling would be 154.8m^2. and this would amount to an 80% increase on the size of the “original” 1948 building. They were asked whether there was a noticeable change in volumes over time. Officers explained that the Council did not have a policy regarding volumes and therefore they did not have precise figures. At an estimation, however, the volume of the buildings had increased from 275m³ for the original, to approximately 400m³ following the extensions and the proposed building was approximately 600m³.

Several Members expressed sympathy with the applicant and it was noted that the proposed dwelling was smaller than some of the surrounding buildings. However, Members were concerned at the size of the replacement dwelling and believed it was substantially larger than the original building.

It was MOVED and was duly seconded that the recommendation in the report be adopted. Upon being put to the vote the motion was CARRIED.

Resolved:   That planning permission be REFUSED for the following reasons:-

The land lies within the Metropolitan Green Belt where strict policies of restraint apply.  The development, by virtue of the increased floor space, design and scale of the replacement dwelling proposed, would represent inappropriate development harmful to the maintenance of the character of the Green Belt and to its openness. This would be contrary to policy H13 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan and to advice contained within PPG2 - Green Belts

5.02 – SE/11/01835/FUL: Finchcocks, 5 Wildernesse Mount, Sevenoaks  TN13 3QS

The Committee was informed that the item had been withdrawn from the agenda as the amended consultation period did not expire until midnight on 20 October 2011.