To approve the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 3 October 2013, as a correct record.

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting of the Development Control Committee held on 3 October 2013 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Including any interests not already registered

Cllr. Miss. Stack clarified that she was the Local Member for item 4.6 - SE/13/01599/HOUSE - 4 Hillside Road, Kemsing TN15 6SG but had not previously been involved in the application process. She intended to participate in the debate.

Cllr McGarvey stated that he was on Farningham Parish Council who had previously considered item 4.7 - SE/13/01825/FUL - Land North West of The Mount, The Mount Wood, Sparepenny Lane, Farningham, Dartford DA4 0JH, though he did not take park in planning matters. He stated that for transparency he would withdraw from the room after he had spoken as the Local Member.

All Members of the Committee declared that they had been lobbied in respect of items 4.4 - SE/13/02285/HOUSE - Polands Farm, Four Elms Road, Edenbridge TN8 6LT and 4.7 SE/13/01825/FUL - Land North West of The Mount, The Mount Wood, Sparepenny Lane, Farningham, Dartford DA4 0JH.

Cllrs. Clark, Dickins and Walshe declared that they had also been lobbied in respect of item 4.5 - SE/13/02654/HOUSE - 3 Hollybush Close, Sevenoaks TN13 3XW.

Cllr. Dickins had been further lobbied on item 4.1 – SE/13/01635/FUL - Mill House, Mill Lane, Sevenoaks TN14 5BX.

Cllr. Walshe had been further lobbied on item 4.2 - SE/13/01288/FUL - 1 Holly Bush Lane, Sevenoaks TN13 3UJ.

The Committee considered the following planning applications:

Redevelopment of the mixed-use site to provide 26 dwellings: 19 new houses and flats in three separate blocks and 7 houses and flats by way of converting and/or partial rebuilding the existing Mill House, Mill Cottage and Mill Building with 42 associated car parking spaces and new centrally located access road.

The proposal was for the redevelopment of the Greatness Mill site in Mill Lane, Sevenoaks. The proposal is for residential development of the site to provide 26 residential units. It would comprise of 19 new houses and flats in 3 separate blocks and 7 houses and flats by way of converting or partially rebuilding the existing Mill House, Mill Cottage and Mill Building with 42 associated car parking spaces and new centrally located access road.

The site was in the urban confines of Sevenoaks in a primarily residential area. The Allocations and Development Management Plan identified the site for housing development within a sustainable urban location.

A previous application on the site had been considered and refused by the Committee on 21 March 2013. It was refused on grounds of the negative impacts of Bock E on the neighbouring mill and the properties opposite from its bulk, height, scale, mass and height and there was no legal agreement for the provision of affordable housing and for contributions for infrastructure improvements. The present application had reduced the scale of block E, resulting in 3 fewer residential units. An appropriate legal agreement had now also been signed.

Officers considered that the application accorded with national and local development plan policies and had overcome the reasons for refusal of application SE/12/00881/FUL.

Members’ attention was drawn to the tabled Late Observations sheet. 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. Hilson

For the Application:              Mr. Joice

Parish Representative:         Cllr. Canet

Local Member:                      -

In response to a question Officers advised that since the previous application 3 parking spaces had been converted into additional green space for unit 10. Members indicated that the parking spaces could have been preferable.

Officers stated there were conditions to control sewerage and drainage but the Council could only ensure the situation was not made worse rather than resolving any existing problems. Thames Water had confirmed that the conditions proposed would make the development acceptable. Development could not take place until these conditions were satisfied.

Public speakers had raised concern at the high density of the development. Officers directed Members to Policy SP7 of the Core Strategy in that developments should make efficient use of land, in Sevenoaks Town Centre were expected to achieve a density of 40 dwellings per hectare and this would increase in suitable locations.

It was MOVED by the Chairman and was duly seconded that the recommendation in the report to grant permission subject to conditions be adopted.

Several Members, including the Local Member raised significant concern at the existing problems of sewerage overflow. It was felt this needed to be tightly conditioned. Some felt the development would still not be acceptable. Several commented that the developer should not be made responsible for existing difficulties.

Regret was expressed that the legal agreement failed to provide a contribution to the resurfacing of the footpath along  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71.

Demolish existing garage and replace with new dwelling. As amended by plans received 29.08.13 and 10.10.13.

The proposal  sought approval for the demolition of an existing detached garage building and the erection of a one and a half-storey detached L-shaped dwelling. The main part of the house would face onto Park Lane with a large projection abutting the boundary with Holly Bush Lane.

The site comprised an end of terrace development with the curtilage land tapering to the south. The site was bounded along the eastern boundary by a brick wall, was open to access to the south and was bounded by a mixture of wall and hedging along the north and western boundaries. The site was in the urban confines of Sevenoaks near to the town centre, in the Vine Conservation Area and adjacent to a Grade II Listed Building.

Officers considered that the proposal represented sustainable development that would be acceptable in principle, it would preserve the significance of the conservation area and the nearby listed buildings and would preserve the character and appearance of the street scene and neighbouring amenity.

Members’ attention was drawn to the tabled Late Observations sheet. 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. Walter

For the Application:              Mr. Bowes

Parish Representative:         Cllr. Mrs. Walshe

Local Member:                      Cllr. Mrs. Purves

In response to a question Officers confirmed that the development would be against the boundary to the east, 0.2m from western boundary and would be approximately 28m to numbers 2 and 4 Park Lane.

It was MOVED by the Chairman and was duly seconded that the recommendation in the report to grant permission subject to conditions be adopted.

Members expressed sympathy with the applicant who sought to move family into the new development.

Members noted the development would be too cramped and this would affect the openness of the Conservation Area. It would be an infill. Although the top half of the building looked Victorian in design, the bottom did not. It was near to a number of listed buildings. The building would be out of keeping with the area and would fail to preserve or enhance the Conservation Area.

Members felt the new development would lack sufficient amenity space. It was also suggested that the existing dwelling would lack amenity space, if this were constructed, once the extant permission for a new access had been effected.

The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

6 votes in favour of the motion

6 votes against the motion

In accordance with paragraph 24.2 of Part 2 in the Council’s Constitution, the Chairman used his casting vote against the motion and so it was lost.

It was proposed by the Chairman and duly seconded that the application be refused on ground that the application failed to preserve and enhance the Conservation Area and that the new development would fail to provide adequate residential amenity space. It was put to the vote and –

Resolved: That  ...  view the full minutes text for item 72.

Closure of vehicular access from Manor House Gardens. New gated access from Mont St. Aignan Way and new bellmouth.  Associated rearrangement of car parking spaces. As amended by plans received 14.08.13 and 10.09.13.

The proposal sought consent for the creation of a new vehicular and pedestrian access from the nursing home onto Mont St Aignan Way (the Edenbridge Relief Road) and associated rearrangement of car parking spaces within the site. The pedestrian access was to be linked to the existing footway on the opposite side of Mont St Aignan Way. The existing vehicular access from the residential Manor House Gardens was to be closed up.

The site was in close proximity to the town centre. It was flanked on its eastern side by a large brick wall to the Edenbridge relief road. On all other boundaries, the site was surrounded by two storey residential dwellings.

Officers considered that the proposed access would preserve highways safety, would not have a detrimental impact on protected trees and would preserve the character and appearance of the area.

Members’ attention was drawn to the tabled Late Observations sheet.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:       -

For the Application:              -

Parish Representative:         Cllr. McGregor

Local Member:                      Cllr. Davison

In response to a question the Local Ward Member, not on the Committee, confirmed that there was no pedestrian pathway on the western side of the relief road. Officers confirmed there would be a dropped kerb on each side but no controlled pedestrian crossing. The speed limit on that road was 30mph but Members noted that speeds often exceeded that.

Officers had no record of conditions preventing new entrances onto the relief road.

It was MOVED by the Chairman and was duly seconded that the recommendation in the report to grant permission subject to conditions be adopted.

Members familiar with the road indicated that the proposals would be dangerous for pedestrians trying to cross the road when leaving the site.

Members were concerned the entrance meant traffic would be held up on the relief road while vehicles turned into the site. The road at that point was too narrow to allow filter lanes or other measures which could ease difficulties. Several Councillors confirmed that the intention of the relief road was to provide a faster and less restricted route, with fewer junctions.

A Planning Inspector had previously confirmed that the wall would intercept views from the nursing home to the road and would mitigate against noise. A break in the wall would funnel noise.

The motion was put to the vote and it was lost.

Cllr. Mrs. Davison moved, and it was duly seconded, that planning permission be refused on three grounds. The first was that the entrance would be damaging to the streetscene in breaking up the carefully designed landscape. Secondly the development would have a negative effect on the amenities of Stangrove Lodge with the noise and light pollution so close to the flowing traffic. Thirdly the development would be dangerous for pedestrians when crossing the road.

The motion was put to the vote and it was –

Resolved: That planning permission be REFUSED for the following reasons:-

1.             The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 73.

At 9.45 p.m. the Chairman adjourned the Committee for the convenience of Members and Officers. The meeting resumed at 9.55 p.m.

With the agreement of the meeting the Chairman announced that item 4.6 SE/13/01599/HOUSE - 4 Hillside Road, Kemsing TN15 6SG would be considered next.

Erection of a part two storey, part single storey side extension, two storey and single storey rear extension. Single storey front extension to include a front porch. Loft extension with 4 velux windows in front elevation and 3 in rear roof elevation.

In light of the business still to be considered and the lack of public speakers on the present item it was proposed by the Chairman that the application be deferred to the meeting of the Committee on 6 November 2013.

Resolved: That consideration of the item be deferred to the meeting of the Committee due to be held on 6 November 2013.

Demolition of existing rear extension and outbuilding to be replaced with two storey and single storey rear extension.

The proposal was for a two storey side and rear extension creating a second rear gable along with a further single storey rear extension. An outbuilding and existing rear extension would be demolished to make way for the rear additions. The site was within the Green Belt.

The report advised that a planning application in 2003 had established the floorspace in 1948 as 286.79m² however Officers had since noted that this figure included in error an extension granted in 1964. The 1948 floorspace should be 261.79m². The planning application had made the same assumptions on floorspace as the 2003 application.

Officers considered that the proposal represented a disproportionate addition to the original dwelling and inappropriate development within the Green Belt. The proposed extensions corresponded to 61% over the ‘original’ 1948 floor space. The increase in bulk and scale would result in harm to the openness of the Green Belt. The very special circumstances demonstrated did not outweigh the substantial harm identified.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:       -

For the Application:              Mr. Hely-Hutchinson

Parish Representative:         -

Local Member:                      -

It was MOVED by the Chairman and was duly seconded that the recommendation in the report to refuse permission be adopted.

The Committee noted that Hever Parish Council had not objected to the planning application and that no neighbours had attended to object to the application.

Members felt the oversight in the 2003 application was a mistake by the Council and that the applicant should not be harmed from relying on it.

The motion was put to the vote and it was unanimously lost.

It was moved by Cllr. Miss. Thornton and was duly seconded that the application be approved on the grounds of the very special circumstances of the history of previous planning applications on the site and taking into account the circumstances in which the present application was made. Officers to decide appropriate conditions in consultation with the Chairman and for the Local Ward Member to be kept informed. It was put to the vote and it was -

Resolved: That planning permission be GRANTED on the grounds of the very special circumstances of the history of previous planning applications on the site and taking into account the circumstances in which the present application was made. Officers to decide appropriate conditions in consultation with the Chairman and for the Local Ward Member to be kept informed.

At 10:20 p.m. it was MOVED by Cllr. Miss. Thornton and duly seconded that, in accordance with rule 16.1 of 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. The motion was put to the vote and by a majority of the Members present it was -

Resolved: That the meeting be extended past 10.30 p.m. to enable the Committee to complete the business on the agenda.

Demolition of existing conservatory to facilitate the erection of a two storey rear extension to include rooflight. Redesign the rear elevation to create a double gabled well fenestrated facade. Creation of partial basement, the roof of the basement will be re-laid as a decked terrace to ground floor living/dining area, reinstating the existing terrace. Internal alterations and changes to side elevations fenestration. Re-submission of SE/13/00934/HOUSE.

The proposal was to demolish an existing conservatory to be replaced with a two storey rear extension to create a double gabled fenestrated façade to the rear. Development would also include a basement, the roof of which will be laid as a decked terrace to the ground floor living dining area incorporating steps from the kitchen living room and corner planters to ensure privacy to adjoining properties. The terrace would be above the existing ground level and the proposed ground level. Alterations were also proposed internally and some minor changes to the side elevations fenestration including new windows.

The site was within the built urban confines of Sevenoaks. The gardens sloped steeply from north to south.

Officers considered that the development would not appear bulky in comparison to the rest of the development and would not result in a material loss of privacy, outlook, daylight or sunlight to habitable or private amenity space of neighbouring properties, or have a detrimental visual impact or overbearing effect on neighbouring properties or the street scene.

Members’ attention was drawn to the tabled Late Observations sheet. 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. Smith

For the Application:              Mr. Adams

Parish Representative:         Cllr. Mrs. Walshe

Local Member:                      Cllr. Mrs. Purves

It was MOVED by the Chairman and was duly seconded that the recommendation in the report to grant permission subject to conditions be adopted.

Members indicated that they did not feel the development would be overbearing or overdevelopment. The impact on neighbours’ amenities would be small if appropriate boundary treatment were in place and once it had matured.

Noting the comments of the neighbour, it was suggested there would have been less impact on the visual amenities of neighbours if the roof had been hipped rather than gabled.

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:- Drawing Number P010 Revision A, dated September 2012, stamped 2 October 2013;- Drawing Number P011 Revision E, dated September 2012, stamped 2 October 2013;- Drawing Number P012 Revision A, dated September 2012, stamped 4 September 2013;- Drawing Number P020 Revision D, dated September 2012, stamped 4 September 2013;- Drawing Number P021 Revision D, dated September 2012, stamped 4 September 2013;- Drawing Number P022 Revision E, dated September 2012, stamped 2 October 2013;- Drawing Number P023 Revision E, dated September 2012, stamped 2 October 2013;- Drawing Number P024 Revision C, dated September 2012, stamped 2 October 2013;- Drawing Number P025, dated September 2012, stamped 4 September 2013;

For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

(Cllr. Walshe was not present for the consideration of the remaining item)

Erection of detached equipment/machinery store.

The proposal sought permission for the erection of a detached building for the storage of machinery, equipment and implements associated with the maintenance of adjacent woodland. The proposed building would have an ‘L’ shape configuration and be constructed from timber with a plain tile pitched roof and timber windows and doors.

The site was in the Green Belt and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The site was located in the grounds of the Mount, a Grade II Listed Building, and in close proximity to the boundary of a Conservation Area.

The report advised that the proposed building for forestry was regarded as appropriate development in the Green Belt. The design of the building would respect its immediate setting and the surrounding area and vernacular styles. The proposal would not have a detrimental impact on neighbour’s amenity.

Members’ attention was drawn to the tabled Late Observations sheet.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:       -

For the Application:              Ms. Smith

Parish Representative:         Cllr. Bergne

Local Member:                      Cllr. McGarvey

The applicant advised that the cost of hiring others to clear the woods had been excessive and so they felt it necessary to purchase their own equipment. This would need to be stored.

(Cllr. McGarvey withdrew from the meeting for the remainder of the item).

It was MOVED by the Chairman and was duly seconded that the recommendation in the report to grant permission subject to conditions be adopted.

Members noted that the application would not be commercial forestry but there was a need for equipment. The building would provide an appropriate level of security for the equipment.

Concern was raised that the development could be inappropriate were it used for other purposes. A Member proposed additional wording in condition 5 so that if the use of forestry ceased then the building would be removed within 3 months. This amendment was carried.

The substantive motion was put to the vote and it was unanimously –

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: 100901-08

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

3)         The materials to be used in the construction of the development shall be those indicated on the approved plan 100901-08.

To ensure that the appearance of the development enhances the character and appearance of the area as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

4)         Throughout the course of the development works to trees and methods for tree protection shall be carried out and implemented in accordance with the details contained within the 'Tree Survey Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Arboricultural Method Statement' dated 14 June 2013 unless otherwise agreed in writing by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.