Resolved:      That the minutes of the meeting of the Development Control Committee held on 20 October be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Cllrs. Davison and Scholey declared personal interests in items 5.01 - SE/11/02331/FUL: Hever Hotel, Hever Road, Hever and 5.02 - SE/11/02332/LBCALT: Hever Hotel, Hever Road, Hever as dual hatted members of both the District Council and Edenbridge Town Council, which had already expressed views on the matters.

Cllr. Mrs. Dawson declared a personal interest in items 5.03 - SE/11/01835/FUL: Finchcocks, 5 Wildernesse Mount, Sevenoaks and 5.05 - SE/11/01861/FUL: 10 Lambarde Road, Sevenoaks as a dual hatted member of both the District Council and Sevenoaks Town Council, which had already expressed views on the matters.

Cllr. Dickins declared that he intended to speak as the local Member on item 5.05 - SE/11/01861/FUL: 10 Lambarde Road, Sevenoaks. He did not either participate in the debate or the vote on the matter.

Cllr. Miss. Thornton declared that she intended to speak as the local Member on item 5.04 - SE/ 11/02142/FUL: St. Edward The Confessor Church, Long Barn Road, Sevenoaks Weald. She left the room while the matter was debated and voted on.

All Members of the Committee except Cllr. Williamson declared that they had been lobbied in respect of item 5.03 - SE/11/01835/FUL: Finchcocks, 5 Wildernesse Mount, Sevenoaks.

Cllr. Dickins declared that he had also been lobbied in respect of item 5.05 - SE/11/01861/FUL: 10 Lambarde Road, Sevenoaks.

The Chairman ruled that additional information received since the despatch of the agenda be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency by reason of the special circumstances that decisions were required to be made without undue delay and on the basis of the most up to date information available.

The Chairman indicated that, with the approval of Members, he would deal first with the tree preservation orders at items 7.01 and 7.02 as the Officer concerned was not involved in any other matters on the agenda.

7.01 - Objection to TPO/11/2011: Cowden Cross House, Hartfield Road, Cowden

The Committee noted that the Order related to a Plane tree and two Oak trees situated at Cowden Cross House, Hartfield Road, Cowden.

Members were advised that the objection had been received from the neighbours. They felt that the amenity value of the trees had been overstated because the trees were set back a long distance from a fast road and were screened by other vegetation. The canopy was also too large.

The Officer felt there was a clear amenity value to the trees and pruning works could reduce the size of the canopy.

Resolved:      That the Tree Preservation Order No. 11 of 2011 be confirmed without amendments.

7.02 - Objection to TPO/15/2011: Manor House Gardens, Edenbridge

The Committee noted that the Order related to several trees located within the estate of Manor House Gardens, Edenbridge.

Members were reminded that the order was served to replace an original order (TPO 01/1965) following a review of existing preservation orders throughout the district. The objection received referred to a tree which was already protected under the old order. The primary concern was that the relevant tree was too large and constituted a danger. No such evidence had been submitted but Officers would look favourably upon reasonable pruning works.

Resolved:      That the Tree Preservation Order No. 15 of 2011 be confirmed without amendments.

The Committee considered the following planning applications:

5.01 - SE/11/02331/FUL: Hever Hotel, Hever Road, Hever  TN8 7NP

The proposal was for planning permission for extensions and additions to the hotel to increase meeting spaces and conference facilities as well as the restaurant and communal spaces. An extension and reconfiguration of the car park was also proposed for an additional 22 spaces.

Officers stated that any potentially significant impact on the amenities of nearby dwellings could be satisfactorily mitigated by way of the conditions imposed. Members’ attention was drawn to the tabled Late Observations sheet and a further representation from a Member of the public who had no objections to the permission so long as noise and traffic concerns were considered.

Having considered the acceptability of the building within the Green Belt and the potential impact upon protected trees, Officers believed that the very special circumstances of the need to ensure the viability of the tourist accommodation and the long term up keep of listed buildings cumulatively outweighed the harm arising from the development. The development would respect the fabric and character of the Listed Building.

The proposal was otherwise in accordance with the relevant policies of the Development Plan.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

            Against the Application:     David Bailey

            For the Application:             Jeff Haskins

            Parish Representative:       -

            Local Member:                      -

Members noted the concern of the neighbour who believed traffic could increase significantly. The neighbour could not quantify the possible increase.

In response to a question Officers confirmed the economic viability scheme, submitted by the applicants, was considered by the Planning Policy Team in the context of the Hotel Futures Report 2007. Sevenoaks District Council did not refer it to external consultants.

It was MOVED by the Vice-Chairman and was duly seconded that the recommendation in the report be adopted subject to the inclusion of the amended condition set out in the Late Observations sheet. The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

13 votes in favour of the motion

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

To maintain the integrity and character of the listed buildings as supported by EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

3)         Prior to the first occupation of any of the buildings hereby permitted, a Travel Plan, to include measures for the promotion of sustainable transportation and measures to enable and encourage the use public transport by customers and staff, shall be submitted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

6.01 - 310/11/093: 1 The Stables, Halstead Place, Halstead

Members were informed that this item had been withdrawn at the request of Officers.

6.02 - 310/11/091: 1 The Barn, Halstead Place, Halstead

Members were informed that this item had been withdrawn at the request of Officers.

6.03 - 310/11/092: 2 The Barn, Halstead Place, Halstead

Members were informed that this item had been withdrawn at the request of Officers.