The proposal was for the retrospective change of use of South Barn from equestrian use to B1 Business Use to allow an existing business (testing oil samples), which was owned by the new owner of Coldharbour Farm and operated out of the Blue Chalet Industrial Estate in West Kingsdown, to move to the site.

It was reported that a change of use to a B1 use had already taken place and that since May 2008 a wine import and export business had operated from the building.

The existing access would be used for the site. Sufficient car parking would be provided for 11 cars with sufficient turning space within the site to enable access to the highway in a forward direction.

The report stated that the change of use sought and the impact upon the surrounding area was compliant with policies seeking to protect the area. The scale, location and design of the development would respect the context of the site and preserve the visual amenities of the locality, the traffic movements generated by the development could be accommodated without detriment to highway safety and the development was considered to be appropriate development within the Metropolitan Green Belt.

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

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:       -

For the Application:              -

Parish Representative:         -

Local Member:                      Cllr. Searles

In response to a question Officers explained that although they proposed a condition to regulate the hours of commercial use they did not intend a condition to deal explicitly with emergency deliveries. Officers had been informed by the applicant that emergency deliveries would occur “every now and then”. If such deliveries were rare then it was unlikely enforcement action would be taken.

The number of car parking spaces to be provided was based on the floorspace of the building. Hardstanding for parking was already partly present but would be resurfaced and would be permeable. Officers considered the likelihood of water pollution from the business to be small; the quantities of oil tested would be small and there would be no external storage of it.

It was MOVED by the Chairman and was duly seconded that the recommendation in the report, as amended by the Late Observations Sheet, to grant permission subject to conditions be adopted.

Some Members believed the change of use itself would have little impact as an isolated change, though they noted there had been a series of changes on the site over previous years. As there would be a reduction in HGV use and traffic would only be between 9am and 6pm on weekdays it was believed that there would be little increased harm through traffic. It was suggested the wooden cladding and new windows could enhance the site. A Member welcomed the increased employment on the site.

The Local Member, who sat on the Committee, considered that the use was not appropriate for the Green Belt but was turning a previously agricultural site into an industrial one. The use was more appropriate in an industrial park.

The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

12 votes in favour of the motion

2 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 development shall be those indicated on the approved plan 1957/6B.

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

3)         Prior to the commencement of the proposed use,  the parking spaces shown on drawing reference 1957/6B shall be provided and maintained for parking permanently thereafter. Details shall be provided to and be approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority of the surfacing proposed for   the parking spaces 6 -9 and associated turning area, as shown on drawing reference 1957/6B prior to the commencement of works.  The scheme shall be implemented in accordance with the approved details.

To ensure adequate off street parking in accordance with the provisions of policies EN1 and VP1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

4)         The scheme is required to achieve BREEAM Very Good standards and prior to the first use of the site details shall be submitted in writing to and be approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority to demonstrate that these standards have been achieved.

To ensure a sustainable form of development and to comply with policy SP2 of the Sevenoaks Core Strategy.

5)         The landscaping shown on drawing number 1957/6B shall be planted during the first available planting season following the commencement of development hereby approved. Any plants that die within 5 years of being planted shall be replaced with a species, of a size and in a location to be agreed with the Local Planning Authority.

To ensure a satisfactory appearance to the completed scheme in accordance with the provisions of policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

6)         Works to the building hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the approved plans and the building shall be used only for uses falling within Use Class B1 and no external changes or change of use shall take place without the prior written approval of the Local Planning Authority, including any changes permitted by the Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (or any subsequent amendments).

To ensure a satisfactory impact upon the surrounding Green Belt and adjacent Conservation Area in accordance with the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework.

7)         The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: 1957/1,2B rev 10/12,3,4A rev 08/12,5A rev 08/12,6B, 1957/6B, rev 09/12,

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

8)         No external storage shall take place without the prior approval in writing of the Local Planning Authority

To protect the openness and character of the surrounding Green Belt.

9)         The use hereby approved shall only operate between the hours of 9am – 6pm Mondays to Fridays and 9am – 1pm Saturdays and not at all on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

To protect the amenities of the surrounding rural area in accordance with the provisions of Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.