The proposal sought permission for the erection of a pair of semi-detached dwellings with parking and gardens and extending the drop kerb, with demolition of outbuildings.

The application had been referred to Development control committee by Councillor Fleming due to concerns over its impact on car parking and highways safety due to the parking and vehicle access arrangements.

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

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:    Chris Beddell

For the Application:         Phil Bell

Parish Representative:      Sue Camp    

Local Member:                 Councillor Fleming

Members asked questions of clarification from the Officers.

Members were advised that a previous application was dismissed at appeal for the demolition of the existing building and construction of a 3 storey building with rear dormers, due to the impact on properties to the rear. Members were advised that the existing building on site was part of the local list due to the features of the building.

It was moved by the Chairman and duly seconded that the recommendation within the report and late observations be agreed.

Members debated the application. It was considered that the application was for development of two dwellings rather than the demolition of number 95. Regarding highways issues neither the Inspectorate nor Kent Highways had raised objection on the present application or the previous one and there would be off street parking for 4 cars. Members discussed the need for housing in the District and its sympathetic design.

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 and details:17507 P-150 REV P517507 P-200 REV P417507 P - 450 REV P317507 E-00117507 E -010 REV A

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

3)   Notwithstanding the approved plans no development shall take place above damp proof course level until samples of the external materials for the new dwellings have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

To maintain the integrity and character of the area and Locally Listed Building as supported by EN1 and EN4 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

4)   No development shall be carried out above damp proof course level until full details of hard and soft landscape works and boundary treatments have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Those details shall include:-details of all boundary planting and enclosures, 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 planting and proposed number/densities); and-a programme of implementation. The landscaping works shall be implemented prior to occupation of the dwellings and retained thereafter, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority. If within a period of five years from the completion of the development, any of the trees or plants that form part of the approved details of soft landscaping die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased then they shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species.

To protect the visual appearance of the area as supported by Policy EN1 of the ADMP.

5)   Prior to occupation of the development a scheme to show the provision of electric vehicle charging point, including the proposed location, type and specifications shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority. The charging point shall be installed in accordance with the approved details prior to first occupation of the development.

To ensure the sustainability of the site in accordance with policy T3 of the Allocations and Development Management Plan.

6)   No development, including any works of demolition or preparation works prior to building operations, shall take place on site until a Construction Management Plan is submitted and the details should include the following:(a) Routing of construction and delivery vehicles to / from site(b) Parking and turning areas for construction and delivery vehicles and site personnel(c) Timing of deliveries(d) Provision of wheel washing facilities(e) Temporary traffic management / signage

To ensure that the development does not prejudice the free flow of traffic and conditions of safety on the highway or cause inconvenience to other highway users in accordance with Policy T1 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

7)   Prior to the use of the site commencing provision and maintenance of 2 metres x 2 metres pedestrian visibility splays behind the footway on both sides of the access with no obstructions over 0.6m above footway level shall be implemented and retained as such thereafter.

In the interests of pedestrian and highway safety.

8)   No development shall commence until details of all tree protection measures are submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The approved measures shall be retained on site for the duration of the development, and no works, storage or activities within a protected area shall take place unless specifically set out in the above report or agreed in writing by the local planning authority.

To protect existing trees on site, in order to safeguard the character of the area and soften the impact of the development, in accordance with Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

9)   No development shall take place until details of the layout and construction of areas for the parking of cars and means of access have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The parking areas approved shall be provided and kept available for parking in connection with the use hereby permitted at all times. 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.

To ensure a permanent retention of vehicle parking for the property as supported by Policy EN1 and T2 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

10) The demolition of the existing garages and outbuildings shall not take place until full details of all boundary treatment to the north west boundary of the application site have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The boundary treatment shall be implemented and retained as such thereafter.

To protect the visual appearance of the area as supported by Policy EN1 of the ADMP

11)  No development shall be carried out above damp proof course level until full details of appropriate refuse and recycling storage facilities for each dwelling have been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The refuse and recycling storage facilities shall be provided in accordance with the details so approved prior to first occupation of the dwellings and shall be retained and maintained for use at all times.

To ensure satisfactory provision of refuse and recycling facilities and to safeguard residential amenity in accordance with policies EN1 and EN2 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

Informatives

1)     Any discharge to a public sewer, requires prior approval from Thames Water Developer Services. Should you require further information please refer to our website.

https://developers.thameswater.co.uk/Developing-a-large-site/Apply-and-pay-for-services/Wastewaterservices

2)     The proposed development is located within 15m of Thames Waters underground assets, as such the development could cause the assets to fail if appropriate measures are not taken. Please read our guide 'working near our assets' to ensure your workings are in line with the necessary processes you need to follow if you're considering working above or near our pipes or other structures. https://developers.thameswater.co.uk/Developing-a-largesite/Planning-your-development/Working-near-or-diverting-our-pipes. Should you require further information please contact Thames Water. Email: developer.services@thameswater.co.uk Phone: 0800 0093921 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm) Write to: Thames Water Developer Services, Clearwater Court, Vastern Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 8DB