Demolition of single storey side double garage and rear veranda roof. Erection of two storey extension including attic rooms to west.

Erection of single storey extension with basement below, and indoor pool to north east. Erection of double garage. External and internal alterations.

The application sought permission for the demolition of the single storey side double garage and rear veranda roof and the erection of two storey extension including attic rooms to west, erection of single storey extension with basement below and indoor pool to north east and erection of a double garage, with external and internal alterations.

The application was referred to the Committee at the request of Cllr. Thornton on the grounds that the alterations proposed through their excessive increase in width, the garage projecting to the front and the use of slate roof tiles would be out of character with the area and would be detrimental to the building which is identified in the Wildernesse Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan as a building contributing to the character of the area. Therefore the proposal was not in accordance with the NPPF, Policies EN1 and EN4 of the ADMP or the Wildernesse Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan.

Member’ attention was brought to the main agenda papers and the late observations sheet which amended condition 4 of the recommendation and added a second informative.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Members asked questions of clarification from speaker and officers.

It was moved by the Chairman and duly seconded that the recommendation in the report, as amended by the late observation sheet, to refuse planning permission be agreed.

Members noted the concern of the Local Member that the window in the proposed south west elevation would overlook the amenity land to the front of the neighbouring Melsetter property, which was the primary amenity land for that dwelling.

The Chairman, with the consent of the seconder, altered the motion so that an additional condition be added to ensure that the window to the south west elevation of the development be obscure glazed over 1.7m to protect neighbouring amenity by preventing overlooking to the amenity area to the front of the neighbouring Melsetter.

The amended 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)   No development shall be carried out on the land until samples of the materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the extensions hereby permitted have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Council. The development shall be carried out using the approved materials.

To maintain the integrity and character of the area as supported by EN1 and EN4 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management 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)   Before any equipment, machinery or materials are brought on to the land for the purposes of the development, the means of protection for the retained trees as shown on drawing 1504.122REVA shall be undertaken in accordance with the submitted arboricultural report 'Arb Consultancy limited 15 1098-.  Also:

A) The means of protection shall be maintained until all equipment, machinery and surplus materials have been removed from the land.

B) Within a retained tree protected area:-Levels shall not be raised or lowered in relation to the existing ground level-No roots shall be cut, trenches cut, or soil removed -No buildings, roads, or other engineering operations shall be constructed or carried out -No fires shall be lit;-No vehicles shall be driven or parked over the area;-No materials or equipment shall be stored.

To preserve the visual appearance of the area as supported by policies EN1 and EN4 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management 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.

4)   The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: 1504.121 and 1504.122REVA

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

5)   The first floor window in the south west side elevation as shown on plan 1504.122REVA shall be obscure glazed and non-opening below 1.7 metres above finished floor level and remain so at all times

To safeguard the amenities of the occupiers of neighbouring properties as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

Informatives

1)   Please note that in accordance with the information on your Self Build Annex or Extension Claim Form and the requirements of The Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (as amended) you MUST submit a COMMENCEMENT NOTICE to the Council BEFORE starting work on site.  Failure to do so will result in the CIL charge becoming payable in full.

(After addressing the Committee as a Local Member Cllr. Thornton left the room for this item and did not take part in the debate or voting thereon)