The Committee considered the following planning applications:

Item 5.05 – SE/11/00034/FUL  1 Charts Edge Cottage, Hosey Hill, Westerham

The report advised that the proposal was for a single storey side and rear extension to the semi detached property.

It was noted that the report had been referred to Committee because the recommendation was contrary to the view of the Parish Council and Councillor Bracken wished the Committee to consider the impact upon the existing dwelling and surrounding countryside.

Officers stated that the proposed scheme was considered to be acceptable in terms of its design and impact upon both the listed buildings and the surrounding area. The scale, location and design of the development would respect the context of the site and preserve the visual amenities of the locality. It would also lie sufficiently far from any neighbouring houses to protect their amenities.

It was noted that a Members’ Site Inspection had been held for this application.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

            Against the Application:       Mr. Peter Waller

            For the Application:               Mr. Adam Penton

            Parish Representative:         Cllr. Phillip Ashley

            Local Member:                        Cllr. Mrs. Bracken

During consideration of this item Members were reminded that the previous application had only been refused because of an error of calculating size. However, Members particularly raised concerns about the proposed oxidised copper cladding and its possible effect on the streetscene and landscape character of the area.

It was MOVED by the Chairman that the recommendation in the report be adopted. The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

            1 vote in favour of the motion

            14 votes against the motion

The Chairman declared the motion to be LOST.

It was then MOVED by Cllr. Walshe and duly seconded:

            “That planning permission be REFUSED for the following reason:

            The proposed extension by virtue of its flat roof design and material finish would be detrimental to the landscape character of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, detrimental to the streetscene and harmful to the character and setting of the Listed Building contrary to policies BE6 and C3 of the South East Plan, LO8 and SP1 of the Core strategy and EN1 and H6B of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.”

The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

            14 votes in favour of the motion

            1 vote against the motion

            Resolved:      That planning permission be REFUSED for the following reason:

            The proposed extension by virtue of its flat roof design and material finish would be detrimental to the landscape character of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, detrimental to the streetscene and harmful to the character and setting of the Listed Building contrary to policies BE6 and C3 of the South East Plan, LO8 and SP1 of the Core strategy and EN1 and H6B of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

 

Item 5.06 – SE/11/00035/LBCALT  1 Charts Edge Cottage, Hosey Hill, Westerham

The report advised that the application was for Listed Building Consent for a single storey side and rear extension to the semi detached property.

It was noted that the report had been referred to Committee had been referred to the Development Control Committee because the recommendation was contrary to the views of the Parish Council and Councillor Bracken wished the Committee to consider the impact upon the existing dwelling and surrounding countryside.

Officers stated that the proposed scheme would respect the context of the Listed Building. The design, bulk, mass and contemporary design were all considered to be acceptable within the context of the original dwelling enabling the maximum retention of original fabric and neither dominating nor detracting from the original dwelling.

It was noted that a Members’ Site Inspection had been held for this application.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

            Against the Application:       Mr. Peter Waller

            For the Application:               Mr. Adam Penton

            Parish Representative:         Cllr. Phillip Ashley

            Local Member:                        Cllr. Mrs. Bracken

It was MOVED by the Chairman that the recommendation in the report be adopted. The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

            2 votes in favour of the motion

            13 votes against the motion

The Chairman declared the motion to be LOST.

It was then MOVED by Cllr. Walshe and duly seconded:

            “That planning permission be REFUSED for the following reason:

The proposed extension by virtue of its flat roof design and material finish would be harmful to the character and setting of the Listed Building contrary to policies BE6 of the South east plan, SP1 of the Core Strategy and EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.”

The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

            14 votes in favour of the motion

            1 vote against the motion

            Resolved:      That planning permission be REFUSED for the following reason:

                   The proposed extension by virtue of its flat roof design and material finish would be detrimental to the landscape character of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, detrimental to the streetscene and harmful to the character and setting of the Listed Building contrary to policies BE6 of the South east plan, SP1 of the Core Strategy and EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

Following a question from a Member an Officer clarified that the decision did not remove the planning history.

Item 5.07 – SE/10/03522/FUL  Chelsham, Church Road, Hartley, Longfield

The Committee was advised that objections to this application from Ward Councillors had been withdrawn and the application would be dealt under the Scheme of Delegations to Officers.

Item 5.08 – SE/11/00774/FUL  Hodsoll House, High Street, Farningham, Dartford

The report advised that the proposal was for demolition of an existing garage and its replacement with a single storey building comprising a single garage and a one bedroom self contained unit.

It was noted that the report had been referred to Committee because the recommendation was contrary to the Parish Council’s recommendation and Councillor McGarvey wished the Committee to consider the issues surrounding the ancillary nature of the proposed dwelling and the impact of this relationship upon the surrounding area.

Officers stated that the structure of the existing garage was poor and its loss was accepted in principle. The proposed scheme would not have an unacceptable impact on the residential amenities of nearby dwellings. The design, bulk and mass of the proposed new building was considered acceptable both in terms of its impact upon the character and appearance of the surrounding conservation area and in terms of its impact upon the setting of the listed building, Hodsoll House.

A Local Member, who sat on the Committee, raised concerns that if granted the permission would allow buildings to be converted to separate dwellings. Officers reassured Members that they believed the recommended conditions were enforceable and that the applicant would have to reapply to the Council to make it into a separate dwelling. Following a question, Officers clarified that permitted development rights would not apply to the new structure.

It was MOVED by the Chairman that the recommendation in the report be adopted. The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

            14 votes in favour of the motion

            0 votes against the motion

            Resolved:      SE/11/00774/FUL: 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 building 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 Conservation Area as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

3)    No development shall be carried out on the land until full details of soft landscape works have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Council.  Those details shall include:-planting plans (identifying existing planting, plants to be retained and new planting);-a schedule of new plants (noting species, size of stock at time of planting and proposed number/densities); and-a programme of implementation.

To protect the visual appearance of the area as supported by EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

4)    If within a period of five years from the completion of the development, any of the trees or plants that form part of the approved details of soft landscaping die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased then they shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species.

To preserve the appearance and character of the surrounding Conservation Area in accordance with policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

5)    The approved garage shall be provided prior to the first occupation of the building and shall be permanently retained for the parking of a motor vehicle.

To ensure a permanent retention of vehicle parking for the property.

6)    No window(s) or other opening(s) shall be inserted at any time in the south elevation(s) of the garage or building hereby approved, despite the provisions of any Development Order.

To protect the privacy of the adjoining occupiers in accordance with the provisions of policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

7)    The  building hereby permitted shall not be occupied at any time other than for purposes ancillary to the residential use of the dwelling known as Hodsoll House.

So that any other proposal for the use of the building is the subject of a separate application to be determined on its merits having regard to the character and appearance of the surrounding Conservation Area and the character and setting of the adjacent Listed Building.

8)    The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: HODSOLL-PL01,PL02

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

9)    The developer shall afford access at all reasonable times to any archaeologist nominated by the Local Planning Authority and shall allow him/her to observe the excavations and record items of interest and finds. The developer shall inform the County Archaeologist of the start date of construction works on site not less than two weeks before the commencement of such works.

To ensure that features of archaeological interest are properly examined and recorded.

Item 5.09 – SE/11/00775/LBCALT  Hodsoll House, High Street, Farningham, Dartford

The report advised that the application sought listed building consent for demolition of an existing garage.

It was noted that the report had been referred to Committee because the recommendation was at variance with the Parish Council’s views and Councillor McGarvey wished Committee to consider the issue of the ancillary nature of this new dwelling and the impact of this relationship with the existing house.

Officers stated that given the garage’s structural status and the amount of work that would be required to repa ir the building to current standards in principle the loss of this building was agreed. It was considered that in view of the siting of the new building largely behind the line of the existing garage and its general design, bulk and scale that it would not harm the setting of Hodsoll House.

It was MOVED by the Chairman that the recommendation in the report be adopted. The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

            15 votes in favour of the motion

            0 votes against the motion

            Resolved:      SE/11/00775/LBCALT: That planning permission be GRANTED  subject to the following conditions:

1)    The works to which this consent relates shall begin before the expiration of three years from the date of this consent.

In pursuance of section 18 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) 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 building 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 site as supported by policy EN1 and EN23 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

3)    No works shall take place until all door and window details, at a scale of not less than 1:20 have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Council. The works shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

To maintain the integrity and character of the building as supported by policies EN1 and EN213 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

4)    No works shall take place until details of all rainwater goods proposed have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Council.  The works shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

To maintain the integrity and character of the building as supported by policies EN1 and EN23 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

Item 5.13 – SE/11/01024/TELNOT  Proposed Telecommunications Mast North of Junction with London Road, Shurlock Avenue, Swanley

This item was withdrawn by the applicant.

Item 5.14 - SE/11/01076/TELNOT  Land South of Service Station, London Road, Swanley

The report advised the proposal was for a 12.5m slim line pole to be positioned on the grass verge which separated the footpath from the Texaco garage. There was also to be a small equipment cabinet which would measure 1.8m by 0.8 m and be 1.5m high.

It was noted that the report had been referred to Committee by Councillor Ball as concerns had been raised about the siting and appearance of the mast..

Officers stated that they found that there was no planning objection to be raised on either ground. The siting was appropriate within the context of the site and the design was acceptable.

The Committee was addressed by the following speaker:

            Local Member:                        Cllr. Fittock

Although objections from the Parish Council could not be included in the late observations, a Local Member, who was not on the Committee, assured Members that the public speaking had covered the objections raised. Various Members raised concerns at the effect the mast and box would have with cluttering the street.

It was MOVED by the Chairman that the recommendation in the report be adopted. The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

            6 votes in favour of the motion

            7 votes against the motion

The Chairman declared the motion to be LOST.

It was then MOVED by Cllr. Brookbank and duly seconded:

            “That an objection be raised due to the impact of the siting on the streetscene adjacent to residential properties.”

The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

            10 votes in favour of the motion

            3 vote against the motion

            Resolved:      SE/11/01076/TELNOT: That an objection be raised due to the impact of the siting on the streetscene adjacent to residential properties.

At 8.57 p.m. the Chairman adjourned the Committee for a short time for the convenience of Members and Officers. The meeting resumed at 9.07 p.m.