Demolition of existing house and garage and erection of replacement dwelling with integral garage, creation of additional hard standing to facilitate two car parking spaces at front, landscaping, new steps and terrace with retaining wall and steps at rear.

The proposal was to erect a replacement dwelling at No. 63 Brittains Lane. The two-storey traditionally designed dwelling would have a hipped roof with a front gable feature and an integral garage. The development would introduce additional hard standing to the front (for two parking spaces) and landscaping to the rear.

The site was within a residential area characterised by large dwellings of varying characters. The gardens for the site and neighbouring properties sloped quite significantly to the rear.

Officers considered that the proposed replacement dwelling and associated works would not detract from the character and appearance of the street scene, or have a detrimental impact upon the amenities of the neighbouring properties.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:       Mr. Law

For the Application:              -

Parish Representative:         -

Local Member:                      -

Members noted from the speaker that the light to No. 61 Brittains Lane was detrimentally affected by the trees already on site at Nos. 63 and 65. Planning Officers confirmed that the planning application would not affect those trees.

Members noted that Sevenoaks Town Council had recommended approval of the planning application and that the applicant was a Member of the Town Council.

It was MOVED by the Chairman and was duly seconded that the recommendation in the report to grant permission subject to conditions be adopted.

Members felt the existing structure was noticeably out of keeping with the street scene because of its 1960s design and because it was so much smaller than neighbouring properties. The proposed development would be a significant improvement.

The motion was amended to add an informative that the applicant be asked to consider, in consultation with the Council’s arboricultural officer, the case for some tree reduction to reduce the extent of tree cover. The Committee was concerned at the effect the tree coverage was having on the light amenity into No. 61 Brittains Lane. Some felt the trees had an unacceptable impact upon neighbouring amenity.

The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

8 votes in favour of the motion

0 votes against the motion

Cllrs. Mrs. Parkin and Miss. Stack abstained from the vote.

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 first floor window(s) in the side elevation(s) shall be obscure glazed at all times and non openable.

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

3)         The materials to be used in the construction of the development shall be those indicated on part 9 of the application form.

To ensure that the appearance of the development is in harmony with the existing character of the street scene as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

4)         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 hardstanding to the front of the dwelling 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 appearance of the development is in harmony with the existing character of the street scene as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

5)         The development shall achieve a Code for Sustainable homes minimum rating of level 3. Evidence shall be provided to the Local Authority -
i) Prior to the commencement of development, of how it is intended the development will achieve a Code for Sustainable Homes Design Certificate minimum level 3 or alternative as agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority; and
ii) Prior to the occupation of the development, that the development has achieved a Code for Sustainable Homes post construction certificate minimum level 3 or alternative as agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

In the interests of environmental sustainability and reducing the risk of climate change as supported in NPPF and Policy SP2 of the Core Strategy.

6)         The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: 404/A1/04-05-06

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

Informative

Members were concerned about the extent of tree cover and its impact on the neighbouring property, No. 61.  The applicant is therefore asked to consider, in consultation with the Council’s arboricultural officer,  the case for some tree reduction to reduce the extent of tree cover.