The proposal was for the extension of the property side and rear to infill the gap between the building and no.44. This would result in two additional self-contained flats. The extension had been designed in a Victorian style to reflect the character of the original building and with a gable effect to reflect the others facing onto the junction of South Park and Argyle Road. The site was inside the Granville Road/Eardley Road Conservation Area.

Officers considered that the application overcame the concerns of scale and design which resulted in the refusal of an application on the site on 16 February 2012. It was acceptable in terms of the character and appearance of the conservation area, the impact of the development upon neighbouring properties and the availability of parking. However the proposal did not yet adequately provide for an affordable housing contribution.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:     -

For the Application:            Mr. Thompson

Parish Representative:       Cllr. Hogarth

Local Member:                    -

Members agreed there had been a significant improvement since the previous application on the site was referred to the Committee.

It was MOVED by the Vice-Chairman and was duly seconded that the recommendation in the report to grant permission be adopted. The motion was put to the vote and it was unanimously –

Resolved:          RECOMMENDATION A:        That planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions and the receipt of an acceptable legal agreement, within 28 days of the date of this Committee, to provide a financial contribution towards off-site affordable housing provision:

1)         The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

In pursuance of section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

The application fails to make an appropriate provision for affordable housing contrary to the requirements of Policy SP3 of the Sevenoaks Core Strategy 2011.

2)         No development shall be carried out on the land until details and samples of the materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the development hereby permitted have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Council. The development shall be carried out using the approved materials.

To ensure that the appearance of the development enhances the character and appearance of the Conservation Area as supported by Policy EN1 and EN23 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

3)         No development shall be carried out on the land until full details of soft landscape works have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Council.  Those details shall include:-planting plans (identifying existing planting and trees, plants and trees to be retained and new planting);-a schedule of new plants and trees (noting species, size of stock at time of planting and proposed number/densities); and-a programme of implementation. Soft landscaping works shall be carried out in complete accordance with the approved details prior to the first occupation of any of the additional apartments hereby permitted or otherwise in accordance with the agreed programme of implementation. If within a period of five years from the completion of the development, any of the trees or plants that form part of the approved details of soft landscaping die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased then they shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species.

To safeguard the visual appearance of the area as supported by EN1 and EN23 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

4)         Prior to the commencement of the development, details of a scheme for the allocation of parking spaces, including details of marking up of the spaces as such, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The spaces shall be completed and marked out in accordance with the approved details prior to the first occupation of any of the additional residential units hereby permitted and shall thereafter be maintained as such.

In the interests of highways safety and convenience in accordance with EN1 of the Sevenoaks Local Plan

5)         Prior to the commencement of the development, details of secure bicycle storage for residents in the form of scaled plans and product information (as appropriate), shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Bicycle storage shall be made available prior to the first occupation of any of the additional residential units hereby approved and shall thereafter remain available for such use.

In the interests of sustainability in accordance with EN1 of the Sevenoaks Local Plan, SP1 of the Sevenoaks Core Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework.

6)         The development shall achieve a Code for Sustainable homes minimum rating of level 3. Prior to the first occupation of any of the additional residential units hereby approved, evidence shall be provided to the Local Authority Prior that the development has achieved a Code for Sustainable Homes post construction certificate minimum level 3 or alternative as agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

In the interests of environmental sustainability in accordance with SP2 of the Sevenoaks Core Strategy.

7)         Prior to the commencement of the development, details in the form of scaled plans and elevations shall be provided to show the appearance of the proposed bin store (shown on drawing no.1114 P06B). The bin store shall be provided in accordance with the approved details prior to the first occupation of any of the additional residential units hereby approved.

To ensure that the appearance of the development enhances the character and appearance of the Conservation Area as supported by Policy EN1 and EN23 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

8)         The ground floor bathroom window shown on the south-east elevation of the extension hereby approved shall be obscure glazed and non-opening, with the exception of any high level lights (above 1.7m above internal floor area).

To safeguard the privacy of residents as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

9)         No window(s), other than those shown on the approved plan(s), shall be installed in south-east facing flank elevation(s) of the development hereby approved, despite the provisions of any Development Order.

To safeguard the privacy of residents as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

10)       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: 1114 P101, P102, P103, P104B, P105B, P106B and P107B

For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.

11)       No part(s) of the roof, other than the area marked 'BALC' on drawing no. P104B, shall be used as a balcony or terrace nor shall any access be formed to it, despite the provisions of any Development Order.

To safeguard the privacy of residents as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

RECOMMENDATION B: In the event that the applicant does not enter into a Section 106 legal agreement within 28 days of the date of this Committee, that planning permission be REFUSED for the following reason:-

1)         The application fails to make an appropriate provision for affordable housing contrary to the requirement of Policy SP3 of the Sevenoaks Core Strategy.