To approve the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 20 October 2016, as a correct record.

Resolved: That the minutes of the Development Control Committee held on 20 October 2016 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Including any interests not already registered

Cllr. Bosley declared that for Minute 50 – SE/16/02931/FUL – Land South of 162, Hever Avenue, West Kingsdown, TN15 6DU that he had been party to discussions of the Parish Council and would address the Committee as a Local Member and would not take part in the debate or voting thereon.

Cllr. Clark declared for Minute 52 – SE/16/02861/HOUSE Berrys Maple Cottage, Pease Hill, Ash TN15 7ET that he had been in discussions with the applicant and would speak during the debate but would not take part in the voting thereon.

All Members declared that they had been lobbied in respect of Minute 48 SE/16/020001/House – Fleetwith, 51A Mount Harry Road, Sevenoaks TN13 3JN.

Cllrs. Clark, Layland, Purves and Kitchener declared that they had been lobbied in respect on Minute 49 Land Adjacent to Tubs Hill House, London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1BL.

The Committee considered the following planning applications:

Enlargement of rear dormer windows and reduction in ridge height.

The proposal sought permission for the enlargement of rear dormer windows and a reduction in ridge height. The application had been referred to the Committee by Cllr. Raikes so that Members could consider the appropriateness  of the material change from the approved plans.

Members’ attention was brought to the main agenda papers and the late observations sheet, which did not amend the recommendation.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:   Mr. Ockingden

For the Application:         Mr. Edwards

Parish Representative:     Cllr. Hogarth

Local Members:               Cllr. Clack and Cllr. Fleming (For Cllr. Raikes)

Members asked clarification from the speakers and Officers. In response to a question Mr. Edwards confirmed that should a tree dispute arise, he would request for it to be of the height when his  planning permission was first granted at 4.8 metres. 

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

Members discussed whether the application would be encroachment and whether there would be overlooking. It was noted that a condition could not be for hedge height as this was not on the applicant’s property.

The motion was put to the vote and it was

Resolved: That planning permission be granted subject to the following condition:

1)     The development hereby permitted shall remain in accordance with the following approved plans: 14/1214/15A

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

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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

Construction of a new 4/5 bedroom detached chalet bungalow with integral garage.

The application sought permission for the construction of a new 4/5 bedroom detached chalet bungalow with integral garage. The application was referred to Committee as the Council was both the applicant and the landowner of the application site.

Members’ attention was brought to the main agenda papers.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:   -

For the Application:                  Mr. Budden

Parish Member:               -

Local Member:                 Cllr. Ian Bosley

Members asked questions of clarification from the speakers and Officers. The Environmental Health Officer advised that Brands Hatch were restricted in the number of days the two racing circuits could be used for particular racing activities.

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

Members discussed the noise mitigation details as set out in the report. Members debated whether it the development would be infilling and the access to the land behind the application.

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: 5335-PD-01/B; 02, Acoustic Assessment (by Able Acoustics, dated August 2016), Reptile Survey Report (dated 21 April 2016 / Ref. 2016/02/09), Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (dated 20 October 2015 / Ref. 2015/10/03), Arboricultural Method Statement (dated 22 October 2015), Tree Protection Plan, Design and Access Statement.

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

3)   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 dwelling 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 area 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)   Notwithstanding the details shown on the hereby approved plans a landscaping scheme shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to any superstructure works commencing on site. The landscaping scheme shall include the following details: a)   soft plantings, including trees, grass and turf areas, shrub and herbaceous areas; their location, species (use of native species where possible) and size; b)enclosures: including types, dimensions and treatments of boundaries (including a more appropriate boundary treatment to the front of the approved dwellings), walls, fences, pedestrian and vehicular gates, screen walls, barriers, rails, retaining walls and location, species and size  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

Erection of single storey outbuilding.

The application sought permission for the erection of a single storey outbuilding. The application had been refereed to the Committee by Cllr. Lake because it was felt that the materials used, the careful positioning and construction itself would be in keeping with the village of Charcott, and would not affect the site or its surroundings. In addition he thought it accords with policies SP1 and L08 of Sevenoaks District Core Strategy, policies EN1 and EN4 of ADMP and Residential extensions SPD and that The Heritage Statement states that there  would be no harm to the setting for the purposes of the decisions makers’ duty under Section 66(1) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

Members’ attention was brought to the main agenda papers.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:   -

For the Application:                  Mr. Thompson

Parish Member:               Mr. Stratton – Brown

Local Member:                 -

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 proposal would harm the green belt, and whether the design was sympathetic to the rest of Forge Cottage and to the surrounding areas.

The motion was put to the vote and it was

Resolved: That planning permission be refused for the following reasons:

The proposed outbuilding would have a harmful impact on the setting and significance of Forge House, no justification has been given to show that there are public benefits that would outweigh the harm. As such the proposal would be contrary to Section 66 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, the National Planning Policy Framework and Policy EN4 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

The proposed outbuilding would be unacceptable through its location to the front of Forge House. The introduction of an outbuilding in this location would have a detrimental impact upon the character and appearance of the local area. This is contrary to Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan and the Sevenoaks Residential Extensions SPD.

Erection of a single storey side extension.

The application sought permission for the erection of a single storey side extension. The application was referred to the Committee by Cllr. Clark as it was considered that the proposal had a case for very special circumstances in accordance with the NPPF.

Members’ attention was brought to the main agenda papers.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the application:   -

For the application:                   Miss. Collins

Parish Representative:     -

Local Members:               Cllr. Pearsall

Members asked questions of clarification from the speakers and Officers.

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

Members discussed application and the size of proposed extension exceeding 50% of the limit in GB. It was noted that there was no submission of Very Special Circumstances in the application and whether it would be appropriate development in the Green Belt.

The motion was put to vote and it was

Resolved: That planning permission be refused for the following reasons:

The proposal, by virtue of its additional cumulative bulk, scale and mass, represents inappropriate development in the Green Belt, is harmful to its openness, and does not comply with policy GB1 and the NPPF.

At 9.54 p.m. it was moved by the Chairman and duly seconded that, in accordance with rule 16.1 Part 2 of the Constitution, Members extend the meeting beyond 10.30 p.m. to enable the Committee to complete the business on the agenda.

At 9.55pm the Chairman adjourned the Committee for the convenience of Members and Officers. The meeting resumed at 10.00 p.m.

Full planning application for 9no. 3-bedroom dwellings, parking and access from Croft Road; including the retention of the existing footpath connecting Croft Road and Croydon Road.

The application was for full planning permission for 9 no. 3 bedroom dwellings, parking and access from Croft Road; including the retention of the existing footpath connecting Croft Road and Croydon Road. The application was referred to the Committee as the land was owned by the District Council.

Members attention was brought to the main agenda papers and late observation sheet, which noted that the Council had exchanged on a condition contract with the developer and the developer had now signed and completed the S106 legal undertaking. The Council were now in a position to issue a formal decision. The late observation sheet also amended wording in paragraph 106 but did not amend the recommendation.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:   Mr. Woodwood

For the Application:                  -

Parish Representative:     -

Local Member:                 Cllr. Maskell

The Chairman used his discretion and allowed Mr. Woodwood to address the Committee. Members asked questions of clarification from the speakers and Officers.

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

Members discussed the issue of drainage and that although the site had been previously earmarked for housing development, whether the number of houses on the site gave the appearance of overdevelopment.

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)     No development shall take place until details of all proposed engineering works including: - existing and proposed levels, including proposed slab levels, - the proposed extent of any cut and fill; and - existing and proposed site sections have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Council. The works shall be carried out in their entirety and in accordance with the approved details before the land is first brought into use for the development hereby permitted.

To safeguard the visual appearance of the area and the amenities of neighbouring occupiers as supported by policies SP1 of the Council's Core Strategy and policies EN1 and EN2 of the 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)     No development shall commence until a Construction Management Plan providing details of parking for construction operatives, parking, unloading and turning space for delivery vehicles, and wheel washing facilities have be submitted to and approved by the District Planning Authority. The approved statement shall be adhered to throughout the construction period.

In the interests of protecting the amenity of adjoining/nearby residential properties in particular and safeguarding the amenities of the surrounding area in general as supported by policy EN2 of the Allocations and Development Management Plan. The Local Planning  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

Proposed application for 9No houses comprising 7No. 4-bedroom dwellings and 2No. 3-bedroom dwellings, with parking and landscape, and access from Croft Road.

The applicant sought permission for 9. No houses comprising 7 no. 4 bedroom dwellings and 2 no. 3 bedroom dwellings, with parking and landscape, and access from Croft Road. The application was referred to the Committee as the land was owned by the District Council.

Members’ attention was brought to the main agenda papers and the late observation sheet which did not amend the recommendation but noted that the Council had now exchanged on a condition contract with the developer and the developer had now signed and completed the S106 legal undertaking and was now in a position to issue a formal decision.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:   Mr. Woodwood

For the Application:                  -

Parish Representative:     -

Local Member:                 Cllr. Maskell

The Chairman move and it was duly seconded that the recommendation in the report, be agreed.

Members discussed the appearance of the street scene and whether it was appropriate and in keeping with the surrounding area. Some Members were concerned with drainage issues.

The motion was put to the vote and it was

Resolved: That planning permission be granted subject to the provision of an affordable housing contribution, to secure appropriate ecological mitigation on an adjacent site and 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 take place until details of all proposed engineering works including: - existing and proposed levels, including proposed slab levels, - the proposed extent of any cut and fill; and - existing and proposed site sections have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Council. The works shall be carried out in their entirety and in accordance with the approved details before the land is first brought into use for the development hereby permitted.

To safeguard the visual appearance of the area and the amenities of neighbouring occupiers as supported by policies SP1 of the Council's Core Strategy and policies EN1 and EN2 of the 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)     No development shall commence until a Construction Management Plan providing details of parking for construction operatives, parking, unloading and turning space for delivery vehicles, and wheel washing facilities have be submitted to and approved by the District Planning Authority. The approved statement shall be adhered to throughout the construction period.

In the interests of protecting the amenity of adjoining/nearby residential properties in particular and safeguarding the amenities of the surrounding area in general as supported by policy EN2 of the 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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.