Erection of a two storey front, side and rear extension. Single storey side and rear extension.

The proposal was for permission for the erection of a single storey and two-storey side and front extension together with a rear two storey and single storey addition. The existing dwelling was a large detached property located on a substantial plot of land. The rear garden of the property was situated partially within the Green Belt.

Officers considered that, on balance, the scale, bulk and design of the extension was considered to be acceptable in terms of its visual appearance. It was considered to have no adverse impact on the amenities of adjacent properties.

It was clarified that on the site plan Glowworm Cottage should be called Dormey Cottage and it should not be within the shown application site. 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:     -

For the Application:            Kelly Gleeson

Parish Representative:       Cllr. Ford

Local Member:                    Cllr. Grint

Officers answered Members’ questions. Whereas the existing dwelling was approximately 29m from The Lilacs, the proposed extension would be 21m away.

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.

During debate it was suggested that Dorminton was in a dominant position to The Lilacs due to its higher level; the considerable extension could affect the amenity use of garden at The Lilacs. This impact would be heightened because the swimming pool would be close to the boundary and could create a lot of noise, particularly when the doors were open.

It was noted that the site application was on a large plot and there were already several large houses on the road, which had benefited from extensions and which had swimming pools.

A Member proposed that if the slab level were reduced by 0.5m then there would be less overlooking impact on The Lilacs from the extension. It was also suggested that the wording of proposed condition 5 should be amended firstly to reflect that the application was for an extension and not a complete dwelling, and secondly to add that a timetable for the soft landscaping was to be approved by the Council. Boundary treatment and landscaping could make a considerable difference in making the extension acceptable.

There were no existing plans for where the swimming pool plant room was to be sited. The Committee felt that placing it underground could make a significant difference to the impact on neighbours’ amenities. Members requested that openings to the front be kept closed and the entrance to the pool to be in the south elevation. The Environmental Health Team should be consulted to ensure noise levels were at an acceptable level for the residential area.

The motion was altered to add the conditions proposed on glazing, the entrance, slab levels, siting of the plant room and noise levels. The motion was put to the vote and it was –

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 maintain the integrity and character of the dwelling as supported by EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

3)         No window(s) or other opening(s) shall be inserted at any time in the north or east elevation(s) of the extension hereby approved, despite the provisions of any Development Order.

To safeguard the amenities of adjacent residents as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

4)         The window(s) in the west elevation of the two storey side extension at first floor level (which serve the dressing room and front bedroom) the windows shall be obscure glazed at all times and non opening. In addition to this the window(s) along the northern flank of the first floor extension shall be obscure glazed at all times and non opening.

To safeguard the amenities of adjacent residents as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

5)         No development shall be carried out until a scheme of soft landscaping, including type and size of species has been submitted to the Council for approval in writing. The scheme shall include indications of all existing trees and hedgerows on the land, and details of any to be retained, together with measures for their protection during the course of the development. The soft landscape works shall be carried out before the extension hereby permitted is occupied or in accordance with a programme of implementation agreed in writing with the Council.  The landscape works shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

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 and policy SP1 of the Sevenoaks Core Strategy.

6)         If within a period of five years from the completion of the development, any of the trees or plants that form part of the approved details of soft landscaping die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased then they shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species.

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 and policy SP1 of the Sevenoaks Core Strategy.

7)         The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans 2012/39A, 2012/152, 2012/151,

In pursuance of section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

In addition to the above conditions, Officers were granted authority to draft additional conditions in consultation with local Members, to protect the residential amenity of surrounding properties, which sought to ensure the following:

1.         That the glazing shown at ground floor level on the front of the extension was non opening and fixed shut and provision was made for an entrance to the swimming pool in the front south elevation of the proposed extension.

2.         That plans shall be submitted and approved by Local Planning Authority to show the slab level of the ground floor front extension is 0.5m lower than shown on the submitted plans.

3.         That details were submitted and approved by the LPA to show the location of the proposed plant room to serve the swimming pool underground.

4.         That officers liaise  with environmental services to draft a condition to ensure that the a noise management scheme was put in place to ensure that the noise levels experienced outside the swimming pool and proposed extension are at an acceptable level for this residential area.