Officers advised that the proposal was to demolish the existing large detached property and replace it with two detached dwellings. Both replacement dwellings would have integral garages. The large existing plot would be split down the centre and the two dwellings would be staggered.

A previous application on the site had been refused by the Committee on 17 November 2011. The present application had a reduced massing, created a greater distance to the neighbours and more of the existing vegetation would be retained.

Officers considered that, on balance, the proposed replacement dwellings would not detract from the character and appearance of the street scene, or have a detrimental impact upon the amenities of the neighbouring properties. The proposal had addressed and overcome the previous reasons for refusal.

Members’ attention was drawn to the tabled Late Observations sheet.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:     Mr. Walkington

For the Application:            Ms. Tasker

Parish Representative:       Cllr. Hogarth

Local Member:                    Cllr. Mrs. Purves

In response to a question Officers informed Members that they should have some regard to the definition of previously developed land. Land would be previously developed if previously built on. A garden would not be considered previously developed except where there was the footprint of a previous development. In this case a substantial part of the footprint of the new dwellings was previously developed. The National Planning Policy Framework states that previously developed land is a priority for development but there was no policy to say that previously developed land should not be developed. Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan would limit such development if it caused harm.

Members noted the width of the new plots would be 14.5m. The speaker against the application suggested that the width of plots o the other side of the road was about 15m.

Members commented that they considered the two sides of the road as distinct and this was supported by the Sevenoaks Residential Character Area Assessment which had been adopted since the site was last considered by the Committee. The proposal would be inappropriate as the plots would be too narrow and the bulk excessive. The development would consequently be out of keeping with the character of the area on the eastern side of the road.

It was MOVED by the Vice-Chairman and was duly seconded:

            “That planning permission be REFUSED for the following reason:

The proposal would have an adverse impact on the street scene by reason of the excessive scale and extent of built development proposed on the site to the detriment of the distinctive character of the east side of Wildernesse Mount. The development would therefore be contrary to Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan and Policy SP1 of the Core Strategy and contrary to the Sevenoaks Residential Character Area Assessment.”

The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

11 votes in favour of the motion

5 votes against the motion

Resolved:        That planning permission be REFUSED for the following reason:

            The proposal would have an adverse impact on the street scene by reason of the excessive scale and extent of built development proposed on the site to the detriment of the distinctive character of the east side of Wildernesse Mount. The development would therefore be contrary to Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan and Policy SP1 of the Core Strategy and contrary to the Sevenoaks Residential Character Area Assessment.