To approve the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 28 November 2013, as a correct record.

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting of the Development Control Committee held on 28 November 2013 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Including any interests not already registered

There were none.

Cllrs. Brookbank, Clark, Dickins, Mrs. Parkin, Miss. Thornton, Underwood and Williamson declared that they had been lobbied in respect of minute item 102 SE/13/03057/DETAIL - Land West Of, 5 Mill Lane, Shoreham TN14 7TS.

(Cllr. McGarvey entered the chamber)

The Chairman indicated that, with the approval of Members, he would deal first with the tree preservation order at item 5.1 as the Officer concerned was not involved in any other matters on the agenda.

That the Tree Preservation Order No. 15 of 2013 be confirmed without amendments

The Tree Preservation Order related to a silver birch tree situated at The Old Mill House, Mallys Place, South Darenth in the South Darenth Conservation Area. It was on the river bank and there were no other comparable trees in the immediate vicinity. This tree was protected following a conservation area notification to remove it (SE/13/02935/WTCA).

The tree was situated to the front of the property and was a prominent specimen that could be seen from the main road and neighbouring dwellings. Officers considered that its removal would have a negative impact on the amenity of the conservation area. Objections had been received on ground of the tree blocking light, the roots damaging the river bank and potentially damaging the drive to Mallys Place.

The Arboricultural and Landscape Officer responded to Members’ questions. He had been informed that the tree was planted by the owners since the houses were built. He estimated the tree to be 20 years old.

Members suggested that Officers should have discussions with the owners about possibly cutting back the tree.

Resolved: That the Tree Preservation Order No. 15 of 2013 be confirmed without amendments.

The Committee considered the following planning applications:

Change of use of ground floor offices to showroom and alterations to fenestration to include a glazed opening to west/east elevation, glazed openings to south elevation, new entrance to north elevation with wheelchair ramp access and three new roof lights.

The proposal was the change of use of approximately 140m² of the existing ground floor office space to form a showroom, with the remaining floor area to be made up of circulation space, kitchen and toilet facilities. There would be alterations to the existing five windows in the southern elevation of the building fronting on to Otford High Street. The existing window openings would be replaced with full glazed openings formed of timber frames. Three rooflights were also proposed for the northern roof slope and a wheel chair access ramp at ground level to the northern elevation.

The site was a vacant 1970s building with mansard roof and lawful B1(a) office use. The site was within the designated Otford Conservation Area, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and an Area of Special Advertisement Control.

Officers considered that the proposed alterations would improve the character of Darenth House and consequently enhanced this part of Otford Conservation Area. It would not impact upon neighbouring amenities to an unacceptable degree, would not create conditions that would be prejudicial to highway safety and there was adequate parking provision in place.

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

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:       David Bomphrey

For the Application:              John Blair Sparrow

Parish Representative:         Cllr. Whitehead

Local Member:                      Cllr. Ms. Lowe

Members noted concerns from the speakers about possible inconsistent application of the Conservation Area planning policies. Officers confirmed they could respond to specific concerns outside of the meeting. It was noted that the nearby Methodist Church had recently constructed an extension with full sized windows but it was added that of these only one narrow window faced onto the High Street.

(Cllr. Walshe entered the chamber)

A condition had been added in the Late Observations that lighting plans must be submitted for approval and Officers advised that the condition could provide an opportunity to limit light pollution. Officers clarified that the large windows were considered desirable as they created visual interest in urban design and an active frontage.

It was MOVED by the Chairman and was duly seconded that the recommendation in the report, as amended by the Late Observations Sheet, to grant permission subject to conditions be adopted.

Members felt it important to bring the building back into use and as it was important to support the trade in the High Street. A building in use would contribute positively to the Conservation Area. The Conservation Officer had not objected to the proposals. The features proposed added character to the Conservation Area.

Some concern was raised that the alterations, particularly to the fenestration, did not bring an architectural benefit and did not respect the Conservation Area. The large fenestration would be opposite and only 12m from residential properties. The area was sensitive to any light spillage from the site.

The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

8 votes in favour of the motion

4 votes against the motion  ...  view the full minutes text for item 101.

Details pursuant to condition 18 (construction method statement) of appeal decision:   APP/G2245/A/13/2192145/NWF - SE/12/03106/FUL

The proposal was a details application to discharge condition 18 (construction method statement) that was attached to the approval for Erection of 4 houses (1 semi-detached pair and 2 detached) at Land West of 5 Mill Lane Shoreham allowed under appeal APP/G2245/A/13/2192145/NWF. The condition had been added for the purposes of highway safety.

Officers considered that the information submitted met the requirements of condition 18 and therefore should be discharged.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:       Marina Barnett

For the Application:              Steve Giles

Parish Representative:         Cllr. Birkin

Local Member:                      Cllr. Ms. Lowe

A Councillor enquired whether the applicant would be willing to limit hours of operations further on Shoreham fete days. The speaker for the applicant did not have instructions on that but indicated the applicant would likely be willing.

The Case Officer confirmed that the Council would rely on information from the residents to know if the developers were carrying out the operations not in line with the approved details.

Officers reminded the Committee that the Inspector had recognised there would be increased pressure on on-street parking from the Development

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

Members agreed that the construction traffic could increase difficulties for highway access along Mill Lane. However some Members suggested that the disruption would be reasonable , especially as the applicants had agreed that loading and unloading would be carried out on site where possible. This disruption would only be temporary.

A Member noted that there was a public house with car park to the rear, not in the control of the applicant, which could be used to help get materials on site. The speaker on behalf of the applicant confirmed that the applicant would enquire into this as a possibility to alleviate construction traffic on Mill Lane.

The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

11 votes in favour of the motion

0 votes against the motion

Cllrs. Edwards-Winser and Miss. Stack abstained.

Resolved: That the details be APPROVED.