Cllr Dickins clarified that he lived ¾ miles from the application site of item 3.2 – SE/12/01062/FUL - The Dyehurst Stud, Greenlands Farm, Uckfield Lane Hever Kent TN8 7LN. He had advised people involved in the application, mostly objectors. However, he had been prepared to advise both sides equally and he had retained an open mind about the application.

Cllr Dickins declared that he had been lobbied in respect of item 3.2 – SE/12/01062/FUL - The Dyehurst Stud, Greenlands Farm, Uckfield Lane Hever Kent TN8 7LN.

There were no public speakers against the following items. Therefore, in accordance with Part 7 3.5(e) of the constitution, the following matter was considered without debate:

Demolish grain silos, and replace with 2 bay extension to existing portal frame building

The report advised that the proposal was for the demolition of two existing grain silos, and replacement with a 2-bay extension to the existing portal frame building. The extension would comprise a steel portal framed building with a concrete panelled plinth, Yorkshire boarding in grey to clad the walls and a reinforced cement fibre roof. The extension was proposed to provide 166m? of additional floor space for general storage purposes.

The site was within the Metropolitan Green Belt and Special Landscape Area.

It was MOVED by the Chairman that the recommendation in the report be adopted.

Resolved: That no objection be lodged

The proposed development complies with the criteria set out in Schedule Two, Part 6, Class A, of the Town and Country Planning General Permitted Development Order 1995.

The Committee considered the following planning applications:

The erection of part single and part two storey front extensions, single storey rear extension and conversion into two self contained dwellings

The proposal was for a two storey front and side extension, a single storey extension across the front of the house, a single storey extension across the rear of the proposed house, the provision in the rear garden of two additional parking spaces lying next to the existing off street parking and the division of the house into two self contained dwellings. The original house would be retained as a two-bedroom unit with the extension accommodating a one-bedroom house.

The site was within the built confines of Badgers Mount and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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

Officers considered that the design of the extensions would be acceptable within the street scene, fitting sympathetically with the existing house and terrace. The conversion would result in an acceptable sized garden and sufficient off street parking being allocated to each house. So long as the section 106 obligation was signed the application would also fulfil the requirements for a financial contribution to towards the Council’s Affordable Housing Strategy.

Members’ attention was drawn to the tabled Late Observations sheet. Officers updated Members that further amendments would be made to 2 of the conditions. Conditions 3 and 4 should both begin “No occupation shall take place until…”. At the end of the reason for condition 4 there should also be added “…and to ensure satisfactory residential amenity”.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

            Against the Application:        Eileen Lessey

            For the Application:               -

            Parish Representative:          Cllr. Dallimore

            Local Member:                       Cllr. Grint

Members noted the concerns of the speakers concerning possible overdevelopment of the junction, aggravation to the existing parking difficulties and the possible hazard of sight-lines from the new opening onto Badgers Road. However, the Committee agreed with the Officers that the extensions were not significant in the context of the terrace, they felt there was sufficient parking added and that there would be no significant highways hazard from the development.

It was MOVED and was duly seconded that the recommendation in the report, as amended, to grant permission subject to conditions be adopted. The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

10 votes in favour of the motion

2 votes against the motion

Resolved:

A)  That, subject to the completion within one calendar month of a S106 Obligation in respect of an affordable housing contribution, 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 development hereby permitted shall match those used on the existing building.

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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

Conversion of part of existing barn to separate 2 no. bed holiday let

The proposal sought the conversion of the eastern part of the existing barn building to a two-bed holiday let. Only internal works would be necessary to separate the holiday let from the retained stabling area.

Officers considered the proposed part change of use of the building to a holiday let would be appropriate development in the Green Belt, as only a small area adjacent to the residential curtilage of the main house was to be set aside for paraphernalia linked to use as a holiday let. This meant it would appear as only a small extension to the existing curtilage and would have a marginal impact. The proposal would also conserve the distinctive character and the setting of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and would preserve neighbouring amenity.

Members’ attention was drawn to the tabled Late Observations sheet. Officers updated Members that 2 amendments would be made to condition 5. Paragraph (i) should begin “No development shall commence until details have been provided to show how it is intended…”. Paragraph (ii) should begin “No occupation shall take place until details have been provided to show that the development has achieved BREEAM…”.

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

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

            Against the Application:        Gerry Ryan

            For the Application:               Margaret Watts

            Parish Representative:          -

            Local Member:                       Cllr. Neal

Officers responded to Members’ questions. They clarified that although the building was called a barn in the application it was used as a stables. The Case Officer expected fencing to be  a low post and rail design up to 1.5m in height. The permission granted in 2004 allowed for the placement of concrete hardstanding around the apron of the stables but Officers believed it was unlikely the applicants would build this as it would conflict with their intention to use the site for a holiday let.

A Member was concerned how the condition that it would not be let to the same occupier or occupiers for a period of 28 days in any calendar year would be enforced. The Planning Enforcement Team would act on complaints and would investigate the manner in which the property was advertised. Action would be taken if there appeared to be a breach of the condition.

The meeting felt that the proposal could be considered less detrimental than the existing permission, as the present application did not include a concrete apron. Members believed it important to help support diversification into tourism and believed there was a need for holiday lets.

It was MOVED was duly seconded that the recommendation in the report, as amended,to grant permission subject to conditions be adopted. The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

10 votes in favour of the motion

1 vote 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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.