Demolition of existing garage and shed, remodelling and enhancement including extensions to existing house, new porch, integral garage, loft conversion, landscaping, covered pergola, rooflights and alterations to fenestration.

The proposal sought planning permission for the demolition of existing garage and shed, remodelling and enhancement including extensions to existing house, new porch, integral garage, loft conversion, landscaping, covered pergola, rooflights and alterations to fenestration. The application had been referred to the Committee by Councillor Fleming on the ground of impact on neighbouring amenity.

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 from the officer. It was clarified that the proposal was not likely to impact the privacy of future dwellings built on Woodside Road as they were far from the site. It was highlighted that there were conditions included to prevent damage to trees.

It was moved by the Chairman that the recommendations within the report, be agreed.

Members discussed the application.

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: 6214-PD-01, 10, 11, 12 and 13.

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

3)    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.

4)    No development shall take place until details are submitted and approved for tree protection, including: A) A plan showing the location of, all existing trees on the land which have a stem with a diameter exceeding 75mm when measured over the bark at a point 1.5m above ground level. The plan shall identify those trees which are to be retained and the crown spread of each retained tree.  In paragraphs 'b' to 'e' below references to a "retained tree" mean an existing tree which is to be retained in accordance with this plan. B) Details of the species, diameter (measured in accordance with paragraph A) above), the approximate height, and an assessment of the general state of health and stability of each retained tree and of each tree which is on land adjacent to the site and to which paragraphs (C) and (D) below apply. C) Details of any proposed topping or lopping of any retained tree, or of any tree on land adjacent to the site. D) Details of any proposed alterations in existing ground levels and of the position of any proposed excavations or other engineering operations.  These details shall be illustrated by a series of cross-sections showing existing and proposed levels. E) Details of the specification and position of fencing or other measures to create a 'retained tree protected area' for the protection of any retained tree from damage before or during the course of development. F) Details of the location and extent of any area on the land to be used during the construction period for storage (including materials, plant and machinery) and/or for siting any temporary ancillary structures, such as a site office.

To prevent damage to the trees during the construction period as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

5)    Before any equipment, machinery or materials are brought on to the land for the purposes of the development, the means of protection for any retained tree shall be undertaken in accordance with the details submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority under condition 4 above. In this condition a "retained tree" means an existing tree which is to be retained in accordance with condition 4 above. Also: A) The means of protection shall be maintained until all equipment, machinery and surplus materials have been removed from the land. B) Within a retained tree protected area:        -Levels shall not be raised or lowered in relation to the existing ground level - No roots shall be cut, trenches cut, or soil removed - No buildings, roads, or other engineering operations shall be constructed or carried out -No fires shall be lit; - No vehicles shall be driven or parked over the area; - No materials or equipment shall be stored.

To prevent damage to the trees during the construction period as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

6)    No works of excavation shall take place under the canopy of the trees on the northern boundary unless it is in accordance with a method statement which has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.

To prevent damage to the trees during the construction period as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

(Having made a declaration of predetermination, Cllr Hogarth left the room during consideration of this item and did not take part in the debate on voting thereon).