The proposal was for the installation of an external insulation system. The proposed development would place insulation board over the wooden cladding with a sand/cement render finish which would increase the width of the wall by 100mm. The site was one of eight semi-detached dwellings of a similar design, it was in the urban confines of Sundridge and in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Officers considered that the proposal would have a minimal impact upon the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and as viewed from within the street the impact of the rendering would have a minimal impact upon the design of the dwelling and would not impact detrimentally upon the street scene. The proposal would not harm the amenities of the locality and would not impact upon the Area of Archaeological Potential.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:       -

For the Application:              -

Parish Representative:         Cllr. Jolley

Local Member:                      -

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 Local Member who sat on the Committee believed the dwelling to be part of a cohesive group of artisan dwellings and that the proposals would be out of keeping. He felt the Council should, in accordance with the NPPF, value of the design of the built environment and respond to local character and history.

Other Members of the Committee noted the concerns of the Local Member and the parish councillor but felt there were inadequate planning reasons for refusal taking into account that the buildings were not in a conservation area.

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 development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: 04A, 05A, 06A

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

3)      No works shall be carried out on the land until samples of the smooth render to be applied to the exterior of the external insulation system and its colour has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Council. The development shall be carried out using the approved materials, finish and colour.

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