The proposal was for listed building consent for those works associated with the conversion of existing buildings into residential and ancillary accommodation.

Officers considered that some elements of the scheme would cause harm to the significance of the estate and the buildings on it both in terms of actual physical harm to the fabric of the buildings and in terms of harm to the setting of the estate. However the harm would not amount to substantial harm and the benefits that would accrue from securing the future use and on-going maintenance in the manner proposed could outweigh the reduced harm to significance.

There were still matters to be resolved and these would be dealt with by means of a section 106 obligation and conditions.

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

It was noted that a Members’ Site Inspection had been held for this application.

Members’ attention was drawn to those facts also stated in minute item 46. There were no further public speakers for this item.

The local Member, who sat on the Committee, was concerned how significantly the site had deteriorated in the last 12 months. Buildings were in danger of falling apart soon. He would not have accepted development at any cost, but he felt these proposals were appropriate.

It was MOVED and was duly seconded that the recommendation in the report, as amended by the Late Observations Sheet, to grant listed building consent subject to conditions be adopted. The motion was put to the vote it was unanimously –

Resolved: To refer this application to the Secretary of State for consideration under the call in procedure.  If the application is not called in then subject to completion of an appropriate S106 Obligation with the following Heads of Terms: - Management Plan, Restoration of the Folly and Phasing  of Development,  that Listed Building Consent be GRANTED subject to the  following conditions:-

1)         The works to which this consent relates shall begin before the expiration of three years from the date of this consent.

In pursuance of section 18 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

2)         Prior to the commencement of works, a structural engineers method statement for carrying out structural works and repairs to the Mill House shall be  submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, in consultation with English Heritage.  The works shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

To ensure minimum harm to the fabric and character of this heritage asset.

3)         Prior to the commencement of works on any existing buildings on this site, large scale drawings showing the proposed methods of providing any new insulation and sound separation to all dwellings shall be submitted and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority in consultation with English Heritage.  The scheme shall be carried out fully in accordance with the approved details.

To ensure the proposed development is in harmony with the existing listed building.

4)         Prior to the commencement of work on any existing buildings on site, joinery details shall be provided  to the LPA in consultation with English Heritage of all new and replacement windows and doors (including to the Carriage House and Coach House) including full scale sections for glazing bars, sills, heads and details of protective finishes.  The scheme shall be carried out fully in accordance with the approved details.

To ensure the proposed works are in harmony with the existing listed building.

5)         Prior to the commencement of works on site, details shall be provided of all works to construct new pedestrian bridges on site, including full details of siting materials and design. The details shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority in conjunction with English Heritage and the scheme shall be carried out in accordance with the approved plans.

To ensure the proposed development is in harmony with the listed building and protects the character and setting of the site in accordance with policy SP1 of the Core Strategy.

6)         Prior to the commencement of works on site drawings at a scale of 1:5 fully detailing all new or replacement bargeboards, weatherboarding, balconies, roof verges and roof eaves to the mill shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority in consultation with English Heritage.  The works shall be carried out fully in accordance with the approved details.

To ensure the proposed works are in harmony with the listed buildings and to protect the character and setting of the site in accordance with the provisions of policy SP1 of the Core Strategy.

7)         Prior to the commencement of works on site, details shall be provided to and approved in writing by the LPA in consultation with English Heritage of any new floor surface to the stables.  The scheme shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

To ensure the proposed works are in harmony with the listed building in accordance with the provisions of policy SP1 of the Core Strategy.

8)         Prior to the commencement of works on site, manufacturers details of all new roof lights shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the LPA in consultation with English Heritage.  The scheme shall be carried out fully in accordance with the approved details.

To ensure the proposed development is in harmony with the listed building in accordance with the provisions of policy SP1 of the Core Strategy.

9)         Prior to the commencement of works to Tiger Cottages drawings to a scale of 1:5 fully detailing eaves, verges, porch canopies and windows to Tiger Cottages shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the LPA in consultation with English Heritage.  The scheme shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

To ensure a satisfactory appearance upon completion in accordance with the provisions of policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan and policy SP1 of the Core Strategy.

10)       Prior to the commencement of works on site details shall be submitted in writing to and approved by the LPA in consultation with English Heritage of all rainwater goods.  The scheme shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

To ensure a satisfactory appearance upon completion in accordance with the provisions of policy SP1 of the Core Strategy..

11)       Before any work is commenced, the position, type and method of installation of all new and relocated services and related fixtures (including plumbing, grilles, flues, vents, alarms, lighting, cameras, ductwork and communications and information technology servicing), shall be specified and agreed in writing with the Council wherever these installations are to be visible. Any works shall be implemented only in accordance with such approval.

To ensure a satisfactory appearance upon completion and impact upon the character and significance of the listed buildings.

12)       Prior to the first occupation of the development hereby approved, samples shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority in consultation with English Heritage of all the hard surfacing materials and materials to be used  in the external surfaces of the development hereby approved.  The scheme shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

To ensure a satisfactory appearance upon completion in accordance with the provisions of policy SP1 of the Core Strategy.

13)       Prior to the commencement of the development hereby approved, details shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the LPA in consultation with English Heritage of the proposed landscaping scheme showing details of all hard and soft landscaping, including any phasing scheme.  The scheme shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

In order to secure a satisfactory appearance upon completion in accordance with the provisions of policy SP1 of the Core Strategy.