Erection of 3 no. 3 bedroom dwelling houses with improved children’s playground facilities.

The application sought permission for the erection of 3 no. 3 bedroom dwelling houses with improved children’s playground facilities. The application was referred to the Development Control Committee as Sevenoaks District Council was the applicant for the application.

Members’ attention was brought to the main agenda papers and late observation sheet which did not amend the recommendation.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

For the Application:          -

Against the Application:   Tracey Moore        

Parish Representative:      -

Local Member:                 -

Members asked questions of clarification of the Officers and speakers. In response to questions Members were advised that the land was currently classed as designated open space, therefore if planning permission was agreed the focus was on the improved play area, formal access and retention of some open space.

It was moved and duly seconded that the recommendation in the report be agreed.

Members debated the application, and discussed whether the proposed plans would be the best use of the space, recognising the need for open space for the local residents and children but also the need for housing. 

The motion was put to the vote and it was

Resolved: That planning permission be agreed 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: A983-02B-PL-001 Revision A, A983-02B-PL-101 Revision C, A983-02B-PL-102 Revision E, A983-02B-PL-110 Revision D, A983-02B-PL-111 Revision A, A983-02-PL-120, A983-03-PL-130, A983-03-PL-131 and HED.1373.101.

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

3)   Prior to the completion of works above damp proof course level, full details of the materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the dwellings hereby permitted shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. 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 Allocations and Development Management Plan.

4)   Prior to the completion of the development, full details of hard and soft landscape works shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. Those details shall include:-hard landscaping plans (identifying the finishing materials of areas of hard landscaping and details of all fencing);-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 including any necessary protection measures during construction. The approved details shall be carried out prior to the first occupation of the development hereby granted. If within a period of 5 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 safeguard the visual appearance of the area as supported by policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

5)   All first floor windows in the side elevations of the approved dwellings shall be obscure glazed and non-openable at all times, unless above 1.7m above the internal floor level.

To safeguard the privacy of residents as supported by Policy EN2 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

6)   Prior to the completion of the development, details of measures incorporated into the development to enhance the biodiversity of the site shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

To enhance biodiversity within the local area as supported by the National Planning Policy Framework and policy SP11 of the Sevenoaks Core Strategy.

7)   Prior to first occupation of the new dwellings hereby approved, an electrical charging point for the safe charging of electric vehicles shall be provided and maintained for the each of the dwellings.

To encourage the use of low emission vehicles in accordance with policy T3 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

8)   Prior to the first occupation of the development, the children's play area shall be installed for the use of the general public and maintained thereafter.

To preserve the provision of open space within the area in accordance with policy SP10 of the Sevenoaks Core Strategy and policy GI2 of the Sevenoaks Allocation and Development Management Plan.

Informatives

1) The proposed development has been assessed and it is the Council's view that the CIL is payable.  Full details will be set out in the CIL Liability Notice which will be issued with this decision or as soon as possible after the decision.