The proposal was for the demolition of the existing bungalow and the erection of a two-storey detached dwelling. The proposed house would be sited in a similar position to the existing bungalow but would be re-orientated to face more onto the plot frontage.

On 30 June 2011 consent had been granted for the erection of a two-storey detached building. The proposal before the Committee had been amended with a second two-storey projection now proposed, a larger two storey rear projection, an increased height of 0.7m and an increase in its width. The depth was unchanged.

Officers considered that the scale, location and design of the development would respect the context of the site and preserve the visual amenities of the locality. Any potentially significant impact on the amenities of nearby dwellings could be satisfactorily mitigated by way of the conditions proposed.

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

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

            Against the Application:        Mr. Batchelor

            For the Application:               Mr. James

            Parish Representative:          -

            Local Member:                       Cllr. Mrs. Purves

Several Members felt the design of the application to be better than the permission granted on 1 July 2011. Although the property would be higher and wider than that permission, the new proposed dwelling would be sited further away from the neighbour at Thornwood. The proposed dwelling would not significantly affected the amenity of the neighbour more than the permission already granted.

Some Members were concerned by the increased dimensions of the proposed dwelling. The Local Member, on the Committee, added that the damage to the vegetation, which had provided screening, had done considerable harm and would make the development visible from Seal Hollow Road.

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

13 votes in favour of the motion

3 votes against the motion

Resolved: That planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:-

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.

2)         The materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the dwelling hereby permitted shall be those included on the materials schedule submitted on 07.03.12.

To ensure that the appearance of the development is in harmony with the existing character of the area as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

3)         Not withstanding the details submitted 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, plants to be retained and new planting);-a schedule of new plants (noting species, size of stock at time of planting and proposed number/densities); and-a programme of implementation.

To preserve the visual appearance of the area as supported by policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

4)         Soft landscape works shall be carried out before first occupation of the dwelling.  The landscape works shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

To preserve the visual appearance of the area as supported by policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

5)         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 preserve the visual appearance of the area as supported by policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

6)         No development shall be carried out on the land until a plan indicating the positions, design and materials of all means of enclosure to be retained and erected has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Council.

To preserve the visual appearance of the area as supported by policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

7)         The first floor windows in the northern and southern flank elevations of the dwelling shall be obscure glazed and non openable, apart from any top hung lights, at all times.

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

8)         No extension or external alterations shall be carried out to the dwelling hereby approved, despite the provisions of any Development Order.

To safeguard the amenities of the occupiers of properties adjacent to the site as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

9)         No building, enclosure or swimming pool, other than those shown on the approved plans, shall be erected within the curtilage of the dwelling hereby approved, despite the provisions of any Development Order.

To safeguard the amenities of the occupiers of properties adjacent to the site as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

10)       Not withstanding the information submitted no development shall take place until details of all the existing levels of the land, any proposed slab levels and any changes in levels have been submitted for approval. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

To safeguard the amenities of the occupiers of properties adjacent to the site as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

11)       No development shall be carried out on the land until details relating to an intrusive investigation of the garden area to the rear of the property carried out by a suitably qualified environmental specialist has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Council. The development shall be carried out in accordance with any recommended remediation that should be undertaken prior to the occupation of the dwelling.

To avoid pollution as supported by The National Planning Policy Framework.

12)       The development shall achieve a Code for Sustainable homes minimum rating of level 3. Evidence shall be provided to the Local Authority -i) Prior to the commencement of development, of how it is intended the development will achieve a Code for Sustainable Homes Design Certificate minimum level 3 or alternative as agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority; and ii) Prior to the occupation of the development, 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. Achievement of Code level 3 must include at least a 10% reduction in the total carbon emissions through the on-site installation and implementation of decentralised, renewable or low-carbon energy sources.

In the interests of environmental sustainability and reducing the risk of climate change as supported in the National Planning Policy Framework, policies CC2 & CC4 of the South East Regional Plan and policy SP2 of the Core Strategy.

13)       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: SEALC/1B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and F1.

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

Informatives

1)         The applicant should be aware that it may be necessary for the entrance of the new dwelling to have a ramp installed up to it to comply with Building Regulations. If this is the case the applicant is encouraged to contact the planning department at the Council to check whether planning permission is required for the ramp.