To approve the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 8 April 2025, as a correct record.

Resolved: That the Minutes from the meeting held on 8 April 2025 the be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record subject to the inclusion of additional information being circulated and at the appropriate time a press release being provided with regards to Minute 62.1 to be inserted as a new paragraph.

Including any interests not already registered

Cllr Barnett declared for Minutes 66 - 23/03356/FUL Red Kite Farm, Cowden Pound Road, Mark Beech Kent TN8 5NR, Minute 68 - 23/01504/FUL Hever Castle, Hever Road, Hever Edenbridge Kent TN8 7NG  and Minute 69 - 23/01505/LBCALT Hever Castle, Hever Road, Hever Edenbridge Kent TN8 7NG but he remained open minded.

Cllr Barker declared for Minute 67 - 25/00406/PIP Swan Farm House, Billet Hill, Ash Kent TN15 7HE as the leader of his party was opposed to the proposal, however he remained open minded.

Cllr Barnett declared they had been lobbied in respect of Minute 66 - 23/03356/FUL - Red Kite Farm, Cowden Pound Road, Mark Beech Kent TN8 5NR.

All Councillors declared they had been lobbied in respect of Minute 68 - 23/01504/FUL - Hever Castle, Hever Road, Hever Edenbridge Kent TN8 7NG and Minute 69 - 23/01505/LBCALT - Hever Castle, Hever Road, Hever Edenbridge Kent TN8 7NG.

The proposal sought planning permission for the erection of a steel framed building.

The application had been referred to the Development Control Committee by Councillor Barnett on the grounds of residential amenity.

Members attention was brought to the main agenda papers and late observations.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Members asked questions of clarification of the speakers with a focus on the frequency of deliveries and additional livestock. In response to questions it was clarified that the current livestock would increase but it would not increase above the 200 figure provided. On average, there would be one extra delivery a day to the farm.

Questions of clarification were asked of officers with a focus on flooding and dilapidated buildings remaining on the property. Officers confirmed that Kent County Council had been consulted and a condition had been included in the recommendation. There was no indication that the current dilapidated buildings would be demolished. It was further confirmed by Officers that they were unable to limit the number of livestock held on the farm.

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

Members discussed the proposal with a focus on the existing use of the land.

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 and details: Site Plan (Received on 13/08/2024); Proposed Ground Floor Plan (Dated 08/04/2024); Mezzanine Floor Plan (Dated 08/04/2024); Proposed North and South Elevations (Appendix 2a); Proposed East and West Elevations (Appendix 3a); Water Harvest Plan 1 (Received on 04/12/2024); Water Harvest Plan 2 (Received on 04/12/2025).

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

3)   The development hereby permitted shall be constructed entirely of the materials as detailed within the application form and as shown on the approved plans.

To secure a satisfactory appearance in the interests of the visual amenities and character of the locality in accordance with Policies EN1 and EN5 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan and SP1 of the Sevenoaks Core Strategy.

4)   Prior to the commencement of the development hereby approved, a detailed sustainable surface water drainage scheme for the site shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The detailed drainage scheme shall be based upon the details and accompanying information contained within the letter (Letter to KCC Flooding with calculations) dated 16th September 2024 ref: 23/03356/FUL and shall demonstrate that the surface water generated by this development (for all rainfall durations and intensities up to and including the climate change adjusted critical 100 year storm) can be accommodated and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

The proposal sought permission for the erection of dwellings with a minimum of 1 or maximum of 1 net dwellings. The application had been referred to the Committee by Councillor Manston due to concerns regarding inappropriate development in the Green Belt.

Members attention was drawn to the agenda papers.

The committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Questions of clarification were asked of the speakers with a focus on the access to the site. The speaker for the application clarified they understood the concerns however at present, there would be no new access.

Members asked questions of clarification of the officers regarding grey belt classification and technical specifications. It was clarified that there had been two separate considerations; not strongly performing green belt and the local housing need. It was confirmed that the site had previously developed, and it was necessary to consider whether it was strongly performing green belt site.

It was moved by the Chairman from the chair that the recommendations within the report be agreed.

Members discussed the proposal.

Resolved: That the permission in principle be granted.

At the Chairman’s discretion agenda items 4.3 - 23/01504/FUL Hever Castle, Hever Road, Hever Edenbridge Kent TN8 7NG and 4.4 -23/01505/LBCALT Hever Castle, Hever Road, Hever Edenbridge Kent TN8 7NG were taken as one.

The proposal sought planning permission and listed building consent for restoration of the north portion of the Astor Wing to provide additional guest accommodation, and a new spa at basement level for the Astor Wing bed and breakfast. Replacement of the Squash Court (currently utilised as store room) with a new office and guest accommodation (The Lodge). Replacement of the existing Restaurant and Shop buildings and the erection of a new building to re-provide the Miniature House Exhibition adjacent to the KSY Military Museum.

The application had been referred to the Committee by Cllr Barnett to assess the impact of the proposed development upon the significance and setting of the Grade I listed building(s) and Registered Park and Garden.

Members’ attention was brought to the agenda papers and late observation sheet.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Questions were asked of the speakers with a focus on the inspiration for the new design and the proposed next steps. The speaker confirmed additional facilities were required to increase the revenue. There was also flexibility within the plans however the applicant was keen to preserve and enhance the character of the buildings already in existence.

Members asked questions of clarification from the officers with a focus on the resolution options available to them, discussions previously undertaken between the applicant and the Council, and reasons for refusal. The Urban Design Officer explained that there was no prescribed architectural style however there was a focus on the scale and materials used as well as assessing the style and significance to the existing site. Any additions to existing buildings should be clearly identifiable so as not to confused the hierarchy of the site. The proposed new buildings did not appear to be subservient to existing buildings on the site and officers also had concerns regarding the architectural and agricultural size and detailing of the proposals.

The Principal Planner further clarified that the Council was not opposed to what the applicant was looking to achieve but at present, they were opposed to the proposed execution. He further explained additional information had been requested from the applicant, including but not limited to restoration details of the Astor Wing, structural survey and a bat survey, which the applicant had not provided. At the Chairman’s discretion, the applicant’s agent explained that some of the works to obtain the information would require Listed Building Consent. He further explained the applicant was willing to provide the information however, due to the costs and consents required to obtain the information this had caused delays. In response, the Principal Planner explained that it was important to understand the effect the restoration of the Astor Wing would have on the building. Investigatory work  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68.

At the Chairman’s discretion agenda items 4.3 - 23/01504/FUL Hever Castle, Hever Road, Hever Edenbridge Kent TN8 7NG and 4.4 -23/01505/LBCALT Hever Castle, Hever Road, Hever Edenbridge Kent TN8 7NG were taken as one.

The proposal sought planning permission for restoration of the north portion of the Astor Wing to provide additional guest accommodation, and a new spa at basement level for the Astor Wing bed and breakfast. Replacement of the Squash Court (currently utilised as store room) with a new office and guest accommodation (The Lodge).

The application had been referred to the Committee by Councillor Barnett to assess the impact of the proposed development upon the significance Grade I listed building.

Resolved: That items 4.3 - 23/01504/FUL - Hever Castle, Hever Road, Hever Edenbridge Kent TN8 7NG and 4.4 23/01505/LBCALT - Hever Castle, Hever Road, Hever Edenbridge Kent TN8 7NG be deferred until such time a site visit had taken place