Two storey side and garage extension with steps.

The proposal sought planning permission for a two-storey side and garage extension with steps. The application had been referred to the Committee by Cllr. Grint due to concerns regarding overdevelopment and impact on the neighbouring properties in Meadway.

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:

Members asked questions of clarification from the officers on the scale of the development and potential visual intrusion from the east facing first floor window into the neighbouring amenity. The Case Officer explained that the application was a revised scheme which included a reduced roof height. It was considered to be more sympathetic in its form and design than the previously approved scheme. He informed Members that the east facing rear-window was set back from the boundary and was fronted by a single story flat roof.

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

Members discussed the application. Members considered the bulk and scale of the proposals and whether the east facing first floor window would cause a loss of privacy for the neighbouring amenity.

An amendment was moved and it was duly seconded that an additional condition be added that the east facing rear first floor window be glazed and obscured and permanently fixed shut. Unless the parts of the window which could be opened were more than 1.7 metres above the floor of the room in which the window was installed.

The amendment was put to the vote and was carried.

The substantive motion was then 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 carried out in accordance with the following approved plans and details: 3147L, 3147P, 3147A and 3147B

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

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)    Notwithstanding the approved drawings, prior to the first occupation of the development hereby approved, the first floor window in the east facing, rear elevation of the development hereby permitted shall be glazed with obscure glass of no less than obscurity level 3 and permanently fixed shut, unless the parts of the window/s which can be opened are more than 1.7 metres above the floor of the room in which the window is installed and shall thereafter be permanently retained as such.

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