To approve the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 30 April 2015, as a correct record.

Resolved: That the minutes of the Development Control Committee held on 30 April 2015 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Including any interests not already registered

Cllr. Gaywood and Mrs. Parkin declared for transparency purposes that they were trustees of Age Concern in relation to minute 6 - SE/15/0216/OUT - Meeting Point Day Centre Rural Age Concern, 27 - 37 High Street, Swanley  BR8 8AE.

Cllr. Kitchener declared that he was a Member of Hextable Parish Council for minute item 7 SE-15-00045-HOUSE  Nuffield Road, Hextable  BR8 7SLand had been party to decisions of Hextable Parish Council but remained open minded.

Cllr. Layland declared that he was a Member of Edenbridge Town Council for minute item 4 - SE-14-03783-OUT  Land North of Railway Line and West of St Johns Way, St Johns Way, Edenbridge  TN8 6HF and had been party to decisions of Edenbridge Town Council but remained open minded.

All Members except Cllr. Thornton declared that they had been lobbied in respect of minute item 4 -  SE-14-03783-OUT  Land North of Railway Line and West of St Johns Way, St Johns Way, Edenbridge  TN8 6HF, and minute item 5 - SE/14/03298/FUL Dunton Green Faithworks, The Old Chapel , London Road, Dunton Green Sevenoaks TN13 2TB.

With the Committee’s agreement the Chairman brought forward consideration of the following item:

Outline application for mixed use development comprising up to 300 new homes, up to 2.6 hectares of public open space and vehicular access with some matters reserved

The proposal was outline application for mixed use development comprising up to 300 new homes, up to 2.6 hectares of public open space and vehicular access with some matters reserved.

It had been referred to Committee at the discretion of the Chief Planning Officer, due to the scale of the development and wider public interest.

Members’ attention was brought to the main agenda papers and the late observation sheet which proposed amendments and changes to the recommendations before the Committee. 

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:        Veronica Cronin

For the Application:               Robin Buchanan

Parish Representative:          Parish Cllr. Trevor Bryant

Local Member:                       Cllr. Scholey

Members asked questions of clarification from the speakers and officers especially in relation to drainage, highways movements and density.  Officers referred to information already contained within the report.

It was moved by the Chairman and duly seconded that the recommendation in the agenda papers as amended by the late observations, to grant planning permission subject to conditions be agreed.

Members considered the application and expressed particular concern in relation to the proposed density and as a direct result the increased vehicle movements on St Johns Way and Enterprise Way and detrimental impact on highway safety.  Members discussed density numbers commenting that as the site did not include the land at Hampsell Mead Farm, then pro rata the site should only be considered for up to 254 units.  Members were advised that they could only consider the application before them which was for up to 300 units.

The motion was put to the vote and it was lost.

The Chairman moved and it was duly seconded that the application should be refused as by virtue of its density would be contrary to ADMP Policy H1(p) and be out of character with the neighbouring residential area of St. John’s Way.  The resultant traffic from the excessive density would be detrimental to the amenities occupiers of properties in St John’s Way could reasonably expect to enjoy and lead to an unacceptable conflict between vehicles and pedestrians seeking to use the existing open space contrary to ADMP Policy EN2.  The proposed scheme also made no provision for a contribution towards the Council’s Affordable Housing initiative and nor had it been demonstrated that such a contribution would render the scheme unviable.  The scheme was therefore contrary to the provision of Policy SP3 of the Sevenoaks Core Strategy.

Having listened to Members’ concerns in relation to highways safety the Kent Highways Services Officer advised that he was confident that the figures provided were robust and would not form a defendable reason for refusal. 

Cllr. Miss. Stack strongly disagreed with the advice from Kent Highways Services requesting that this be formally minuted.

The motion was put to the vote and it was

Resolved:  That the outline planning permission be refused on the following grounds

1)        The proposed development by virtue of its density would be contrary to ADMP Policy H1(p) and be out of character  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

There were no public speakers against the following items and no Member reserved the item for debate. Therefore, in accordance with Part 7.3(e) of the constitution, the following matters were considered without debate:

External alterations to existing single-storey chapel to include remodelling of the entrance lobby with a new front single-storey extension, installation of  high level window to the main frontage and  infill extension to kitchen, alteration to fenestration and new perimeter fencing on north elevation.

The proposal was for external alterations to existing single-storey chapel to include remodelling of the entrance lobby with a new front single-storey extension, installation of  high level window to the main frontage and  infill extension to kitchen, alteration to fenestration and new perimeter fencing on north elevation.

It had been referred to Committee by the Chief Planning Officer due to the sensitive and complex nature of the site's planning history.

Members’ attention was brought to the main agenda papers.

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 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 Allocations and Development Management Plan.

3)    The development shall be carried out in accordance with the following plans, 13051 205 P2 (proposed only) 13051 204 P2 (proposed only), 13051 201 P1, 13051 203 P1 (proposed only), 13051 206 P1 (proposed only), 13051 202 P1 (proposed only)

For the avoidance of doubt and in accordance with proper planning as supported by policy EN1 of the Allocations and Development Management Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework.

4)    The use hereby permitted shall only be carried out between the hours of 0800 and 1730 Monday to Friday and not at all of Saturdays, Sundays and Bank/Public Holidays.

To safeguard the amenity of the area and the amenities of 187 London Road as supported by Policy EN1 of the Allocations and Development management Plan.

Outline application for Demolition of existing buildings and construction of a mixed use development to include 14 flats and retail premises with some matters reserved.

The proposal was for outline application for demolition of existing buildings and construction of a mixed use development to include 14 flats and retail premises with some matters reserved.

It had been referred to Committee because the application site was owned by the Council.

Members’ attention was brought to the main agenda papers and the late observation sheet which proposed amendments and changes to the recommendations before the Committee. 

Resolved:  That authority be delegated to the Chief Planning Officer to

                      a)          grant planning permission subject to the conditions below , subject to the completion of a S106 Agreement making provision for affordable housing within 3 months of the date of this meeting -

1) Details relating to the scale, layout and appearance of the proposed building(s) and the landscaping of the site (hereinafter called the "reserved matters") shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the District Planning Authority before any development is commenced.

     In Pursuance of section 92(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2) Application for approval of the reserved matters shall be made to the District Planning Authority before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

     In Pursuance of section 92(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

3) The development to which this permission relates must be begun before:
- the expiration of three years from the date of this permission; or -the expiration of two years from the final approval of the reserved matters whichever is the later.

     In Pursuance of section 92(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

4) Prior to commencement of work on site, details shall be submitted to and be approved in writing by the Council to demonstrate provision of on site parking facilities for personnel and visitors and for the storage of materials and plant. Such provision shall be retained for the duration of the building works.  The scheme shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

     In the interests of highways safety and the free flow of traffic on the adjacent highway. "The Local Planning Authority is satisfied that it is fundamental to the development permitted to address this issue before development commences and that without this safeguard planning permission should not be granted."

5) Prior to commencement of work on site and for the duration of construction facilities shall be provided for wheel washing.  The details shall be submitted to and be approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to the commencement of works and the scheme shall be implemented in accordance with the approved scheme.

     To avoid the deposit of mud and dirt on the adjacent highway. The Local Planning Authority is satisfied that it is fundamental to the development permitted to address this issue before development commences and that without this safeguard planning permission should not be granted.

6) No development shall be carried out on the land until details of the materials to be used in the construction of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Two storey side extension.

The proposal was for a two storey side extension.  It had been referred to Committee by Councillor Mrs Morris to discuss the impact upon the character and amenities of the area.

Members’ attention was brought to the main agenda papers and the late observation sheet which amended the report before the Committee. 

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:        Mr Varnham

For the Application:               Mr Derek Evans

Parish Representative:          -

Local Member:                       Cllr. Mrs. Morris

Members asked questions of clarification from the speakers and officers. 

It was moved by the Chairman and duly seconded that the recommendation in the agenda to grant planning permission subject to conditions be agreed.

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 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 dwelling as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan..

3)    The two first floor rear windows shall be obscure glazed and fixed shut below a height of 1.7m above internal floor level prior to first use of the development hereby approved and shall be permanently retained as such thereafter.

To protect the privacy of the adjoining neighbours in accordance with the provisions of policy EN2 of the Allocations and Development Management Plan 2015.

4)    Prior to the commencement of development, including any clearance of the site, details shall be provided in writing to and be approved by the Local Planning Authority  of the means of protection of the rear boundary trees/hedge during the construction period.  The means of protection shall be implemented in accordance with the approved scheme for the duration of the building works.  The existing rear boundary hedge shall be retained at a minimum height of 3.5m’s.  Should the hedge die, become diseased or be damaged new trees/hedge shall be planted to a height and in a position to be agreed with the LPA.

To protect the outlook and amenities of the residents abutting the site in accordance with the provisions of policy EN2 of the Allocations and Development Management Plan 2015.

5)    No windows, other than those shown on the approved drawings shall be added to the first floor without the prior approval in writing of the Local Planning Authority.

To protect the privacy of the surrounding residents in accordance with the provisions of policy EN2 of the ADMP.

6)    Prior to the commencement of the development hereby approved, details shall be submitted to and be approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority of the proposed internal finished ground floor level.  The submitted plan shall also indicate the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Demolition of the existing garage and the erection of a new detached chalet bungalow on the land adjacent to Ivy Cottage.

The proposal was for demolition of the existing garage and the erection of a new detached chalet bungalow on the land adjacent to Ivy Cottage.

It had been referred to Committee by Councillor Williamson who considered the proposed house would be overbearing on the neighbouring property and result in overlooking and loss of privacy and because the proposals would represent infill development which would encroach upon the adjacent Green Belt.  He further added that he had thought it prudent for consistency and transparency to bring the application forward to Committee.

Members’ attention was brought to the main agenda papers before the Committee. 

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:        Mr John Evans

For the Application:               -

Parish Representative:          -

Local Member:                       -

Members asked questions of clarification from the speakers and officers.  The case officer confirmed that the errors highlighted by the speaker did not affect the consideration and the recommendation.

It was moved by the Chairman and duly seconded that the recommendation in the agenda papers to grant planning permission subject to conditions be agreed.

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 details of the materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the buildings hereby permitted have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Council. The development shall be carried out using the approved materials.

To ensure that the proposed house preserves the appearance of the locality as supported by policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan. The Local Planning Authority is satisfied that it is fundamental to the development permitted to address this issue before development commences and that without this safeguard planning permission should not be granted.

3)    The development shall be carried out in strict accordance with the approved drawings, with particular reference to the ground levels and height of the building indicated on drawing 445-PD-021.

To protect the amenities of the neighbouring occupiers and the amenities of the street scene as supported by policies EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

4)    No development shall be carried out on the land until full details of all soft and hard landscape works and all means of enclosure to be maintained or erected have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Council.  Those details shall include:-details of materials for all hardsurfaces;-planting plans (identifying existing planting, plants to be retained and new planting, to specifically include details of planting along the northern boundary of the site adjacent to Silverdale (the property to the north); and-a schedule of new plants (noting species, size of stock at time of planting and proposed number/densities).The hard and soft landscaping and means of enclosure shall be carried out in accordance with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.