The erection of two storey side and part rear extension. Pitched roof to porch to replace existing flat roof.

The application sought permission for the erection of two storey side and part rear extension, pitched roof to porch to replace existing flat roof.  The application had been referred to Committee at the request of Councillor Ms. Lowe who agreed with the objections raised by Otford Parish Council in response to the application and stated that in this instance although the rear elevation was lower than the existing roof-line, the front elevation had the same roof-line as the existing house, thereby impacting on the visible bulk of the building.  The width of the building had increased by 50% of the original building and would be the only building in that vicinity to have undergone such a transformation/extension. 

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the application:     -

For the application:            -

Parish Representative:       Martin Whitehead

Local Member:                    Cllr. Ms Lowe

Members asked questions of clarification from the Speakers and Officers. The Case Officer could not confirm whether other properties in the area were flush or set back as far as she was aware there was a mixture of properties styles.

It was moved by the Chairman and duly seconded that the recommendation in the report to grant permission, be agreed.

Members noted that there had been no objections from the neighbours and that the look and feel of the property was consistent with other properties in the area.  Members noted the comments made by Otford Parish Council.

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 development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: 1402/01

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

3)    The materials to be used in the construction of the development shall be those indicated on the approved plan 1402/01.

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

4)    At the time of development, the first floor window in the side elevation shown as serving the bathroom shall be fitted with obscured glass of a type that is impenetrable to sight and shall be non opening up to a minimum of 1.7 metres above the internal finished floor level and shall be so retained at all times.

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

5)    The extensions hereby permitted shall not be used or occupied until adequate provision has been made within the front of the application site for the parking of 2 vehicles on a permeable surface or on a surface which has adequate run off to a permeable surface. The parking shall be retained for parking purposes in association with the dwelling at all times.

To ensure adequate provision for off road parking in accordance with policy VP1 of the Sevenoaks Local Plan.

Informative

1)    With regards to the removal of the existing garage, the applicant is advised that the Party Wall Act 1996 which provides a framework for preventing or resolving disputes in relation to party walls, party structures, boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings may apply.