Demolition of existing outbuildings and the erection of a two storey side extension, extension to the basement, associated landscaping, new porch and alterations to fenestration.

The proposal sought planning permission for the demolition of existing outbuildings and the erection of a two storey side extension, extension to basement, associated landscaping, new porch and alterations to fenestration. The item had been referred to the Committee by Councillor Cole on the grounds that the planning application may extend above the 50% requirement for the Green Belt and due to concerns regarding the visual impact created by the addition of the basement to the main extension and associated terracing, contrary to policy EN1/EN2 and GB2.

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

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Members asked questions of clarification to the officer. It was clarified that the increase in floorspace of  the proposal was under 50%.

It was moved by the Chairman and duly seconded that the recommendations within the report and late observation papers, be agreed.

Members discussed the application with concerns expressed over the visual impact of the basement. It was moved by the Chairman and duly seconded that an additional landscaping condition be included in the proposal. 

The amendment was put to the vote and it was carried.

The substantive 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 materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the development hereby permitted shall match those used on the existing building.

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.

3)    The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans and details: E001, P150 P3, P200 P3, P201 P3, P202 P2, P450 P4, P451 P3, the Tree Protection Plan (ref: 19-956-TPP) and Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Method Statement and Open Architecture Design and Access Statement.

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

4)    Within three months of the commencement of works, a detailed ecological enhancement plan shall be submitted to the Local Planning Authority for approval in writing. The approved plan shall be implemented within a period of six months from the first occupation of the building as extended and retained as approved thereafter.

To enhance the biodiversity on the application site, as supported by Policy SP11 of the Sevenoaks Core Strategy.

5)    Within two months of commencement of works on site, full details of soft landscaping proposals, including a schedule of landscape maintenance for a minimum period of 5 years, shall be submitted to the local planning authority for approval in writing. The approved landscape scheme shall be implemented prior to the occupation of the development hereby approved.  Any trees or plants which, within a period of five years after planting, are removed, die or become seriously damaged or diseased in the opinion of the local planning authority , shall be replaced in the next available planting season with others of similar size, species and number, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority.

To ensure the provision, establishment and maintenance of an appropriate landscape scheme in the interests of the visual amenities of the locality in accordance with Policies EN1 and GB1 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

Informatives

1)    The proposed lighting to the application site shall follow the recommendations within the Bats and Artificial lighting in the UK document produced by the Bat Conservation Trust and Institution of Lighting Professionals.

2)    No works can be undertaken on a Public Right of Way without the express consent of the Highways Authority. This means that the Public Rights of Way must not be stopped up, diverted, obstructed or the surface disturbed. There must be no encroachment on the current width, at any time now or in future and no furniture or fixtures may be erected on and across Public Rights of Way without consent.

(Having spoke against the application as a registered speaker, Councillor Perry Cole left the room during consideration of this item and did not take part in the debate or voting thereon).