The Committee considered the following planning applications:

5.01  - SE/11/00776/FUL Sealcot, Seal Hollow Road, Sevenoaks TN13 3SH

The report advised that the proposal was for approval of the demolition of the existing bungalow and the erection of a two storey detached dwelling.

It was noted that the report had been referred to Committee because the Officer's recommendation was at variance to the view of the Town Council and at the request of Cllr. Walshe who had concerns that the proposal could potentially have a detrimental impact upon neighbouring amenity.

Officers stated that the scale, location and design of the development would respect the context of the site and preserve the visual amenities of the locality. Any potentially significant impact on the amenities of nearby dwellings could be satisfactorily mitigated by way of the conditions imposed. Consequently the proposal was in accordance with the development plan.

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:       Rosmary Dally

            For the Application:             Jackie Andrews

            Parish Representative:       Cllr. Mrs. Walshe

            Local Member:                      -

During consideration of this item Members noted the neighbour’s concerns at loss of light and that, being on a higher level, Sealcot could overlook Thornwood. Officers clarified that light was still available under the 45 degrees test. Officers also believed the conditions for obscure and non-opening windows would reduce overlooking.

A Member pointed out that although the closest point of the proposed dwelling would be further away from Thornwood, the change in orientation meant the average distance away was approximately the same as before.

It was MOVED by the Chairman that the recommendation in the report be adopted subject to the inclusion of the additional condition set out in the Late Observations sheet. The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

            12 votes in favour of the motion

            3 votes against the motion

            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 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 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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.