Two storey side extension and front porch infill.

The proposal was for a two storey side extension and front porch infill. The application was referred to Development Control Committee as the Officer’s recommendation was at variance to the view of the Town Council and at the request of Councillor Purves who was of the view that the proposal would result in a detrimental impact on the residential amenities of the occupiers at 57 Hartslands Road and would result in a loss of off-street vehicle parking.

Members’ attention was brought to the main agenda papers and the late observation sheet which did not propose any amendments or changes to the recommendation before the Committee.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:        Clive Garnar

For the Application:               Rachel Stringer

Parish Representative:          Cllr. Tony Clayton

Local Member:                       Cllr. Mrs. Purves

Members asked questions of clarification from the Officers and were advised that although a parking space had not been indicated in the plans it appeared as if there would be space for one car and a condition for landscaping could be included to ensure that there would not be a significant loss of enclosure and greenery to the front of the site. The conservation area was implemented 3 years ago.

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

Some members expressed concern that the development would reduce the natural light for the neighbouring property and that it would reduce the ‘glimpse’ of the North Downs identified as contributing to the conservation area in the Council’s Conservation Area Appraisal. Some Members thought that the development could have detrimental impact to the setting of the adjacent conservation area.

With the agreement of the Committee the Chairman altered the motion to include an additional parking condition.

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: Site Location Plan, Block Plan, HART/3B, HART/4 and HART/6B.

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

3)    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 enhances the character and appearance of the area as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

4)    The first floor bedroom window in the northern rear elevation of the approved extension shall be obscure glazed and non openable at all times, unless above 1.7m above the internal floor level.

To safeguard the privacy of residents as supported by Policy EN2 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

5)    No development shall take place until details of a car parking space, to be provided on the site, have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Council. The details shall include details of the hard and soft landscaping changes, as well as boundary treatment changes, that need to take place to allow for the parking space, and the parking space shall be designed to minimize the loss of parking on the road. The parking space shall be provided prior to the occupation of the approved extension and the car parking space shall be retained thereafter.

To ensure a permanent retention of vehicle parking for the property as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.