Erection of 2 mews style dwellings with associated parking and landscaping.

The application was for the erection of 2 mews style dwellings with associated parking and landscaping. The application had been referred to Committee by Cllr. Fleming on the grounds that:

1.    the development was contrary to paragraph 9 of the NPPF as it failed to make positive improvements in (particular regard) people’s (the neighbours) quality of life; ‘improving the conditions in which people live.’

2.    It was contrary to paragraph 17 of the NPPF as it failed at least one of the 12 principles, this was that the development does not ‘improve the places in which people live their lives’, the neighbours.

3.    The development was contrary to policy EN2 of the Sevenoaks District Council ADMP insofar as it would (not) safeguard existing and future occupants of nearby properties by (failing to ensure) that development would not result in an unacceptable loss of privacy enjoyed by the occupiers of nearby properties. 

He also expressed concern regarding the cumulative impact of development that had been permitted in the area and referenced the following text from the ADMP: “the effects of some developments can have direct impacts on neighbouring occupiers. Others can cumulatively impact on the general amenity of an area. As such, all development proposals, including intensification of uses and cumulative impacts of similar uses, will be expected to have regard to the amenity of neighbouring uses and occupiers.”

Members’ attention was brought to the main agenda papers and the late observation sheet which included an additional condition.

The Committee  was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:   -

For the Application:                  Emma Gregson

Parish Representative:     -

Local Members:               Cllr. Fleming

Members asked questions of clarification from the speakers and Officers.

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

Members discussed whether the development would cause overlooking into the neighbouring properties.

The motion was put to 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 development shall be those indicated on the approved plan 16149-P-311-.

To ensure that the appearance of the development is in harmony with the existing character of the area as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

3)     Before any equipment, machinery or materials are brought on to the land for the purposes of the development, the means of protection for any retained tree shall be undertaken in accordance with the details in the submitted arboricultural survey, arboricultural impact assessment and arboricultural method statement (4059/16-01, 4059/16-02 and 4059/16-03).  In this condition a "retained tree" means an existing tree which is to be retained in accordance with the submitted arboricultural survey Also:-The means of protection shall be maintained until all equipment, machinery and surplus materials have been removed from the land;-Within a retained tree protected area:-Levels shall not be raised or lowered in relation to the existing ground;-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; and-No materials or equipment shall be stored.

To prevent damage to the trees during the construction period of the patio as supported by Policy EN1 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)     No development shall be carried out on the land until a method statement regarding the proposed patio has been submitted and approved in writing by the Council providing details for the protection of the TPO trees on site in consequence of the proposed patio. The construction of the patio shall be carried out in accordance with the approved method statement.

To prevent damage to the trees during the construction period of the patio as supported by Policy EN1 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.

5)     No construction shall take place outside of the hours 08:00 to 18:00 hrs Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 13:00 hrs Saturdays and no work shall take place on Sundays or public holidays

To safeguard the amenity of neighbouring residents during the construction period as supported by Policy EN2 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

6)     No development shall take place until details of the two parking spaces to be allocated to the units hereby approved shall be submitted to the Council and approved in writing. The parking areas approved shall be provided before the first occupation of any unit, maintained and kept available for parking in connection with the units hereby permitted at all times.

To ensure a permanent retention of vehicle parking for the property as supported by Policy T2 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.

7)     The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: 16149-P-2101-C, 16149-P-310B, 16149-P-311- and 16149-P312C.

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