Erection of a detached two bedroom dwelling on land adj. 7 and 9 Serpentine Road, including the provision of 2 parking spaces and incorporating the demolition of existing detached garage.

The proposal was for a new dwelling and two parking spaces including demolition of the existing detached garage. It was similar to application SE/11/02670/FUL which had been refused on appeal though some amendments had been made. The height had been reduced by 1.2m, it proposed  two bedrooms not three, the garden layout had been changed and the on site parking for No.7 Serpentine Road had been removed. The building line would be 1m back from the existing garage but the development would be 2.5m higher than the existing garage. The site was within the built urban confines of Sevenoaks.

Officers considered that the distance to No.9 Serpentine Road was the main reason for refusal at appeal but this was now at 12m. Any potentially significant impacts on the amenities of nearby dwellings could be satisfactorily mitigated by way of the conditions imposed. Development would respect the context of the site and would not have an unacceptable impact on the street scene.

Members’ attention was drawn to the tabled Late Observations sheet. It was noted that a Members’ Site Inspection had been held for this application.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:       Mr. Fraser-Urqhart

For the Application:              Mr Hadley

Parish Representative:         Cllr. Mrs. Walshe

Local Member:                      Cllr. Mrs. Purves

It was MOVED by the Chairman and was duly seconded that the recommendation in the report, as amended by the Late Observations Sheet, to grant permission subject to conditions be adopted.

The local Member on the Committee noted the concerns of the public speakers including that there was still undue overbearing proximity to No.9 Serpentine Road and the impact on No.7 was likely to be equal, if not greater. The dwelling was considerably higher than the existing garage. The garden would be put to a more intensive use and this would have a detrimental effect on neighbouring amenity as well. It was unlikely a two-storey dwelling could fit onto the site.

Members emphasised that, despite the reduction, it had not been shown the Inspector’s concerns at appeal had been addressed. The site was at a noticeably higher level that No.7 and 9 and the proposal would have an overbearing effect on them. It was also noted that the dwelling would be very close to No.61 Bayham Road. The plot was considered too small.

Although concern was raised about reversing onto the road it was noted that this was no different to the existing position. However, as there was no longer parking for No.7 then cars would be displaced onto busy roads.

The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

2 votes in favour of the motion

13 votes against the motion

The Chairman declared the motion to be LOST. It was MOVED by Cllr. Clark and was duly seconded:

“That planning permission be REFUSED for the following reason:-

The proposed dwelling would significantly harm the residential amenity of the occupiers at Numbers 7 and 9 Serpentine Road by reason of its overbearing proximity leading to a loss of light and outlook to these properties. The dwelling would also bring a more intensive domestic activity into the existing garden area to the rear of the garage to the detriment of the residential area of Numbers 7 and 9 Serpentine Road. The proposal is therefore not in accordance with Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.”

The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

13 votes in favour of the motion

2 votes against the motion

Resolved: That planning permission be REFUSED for the following reason:-

The proposed dwelling would significantly harm the residential amenity of the occupiers at Numbers 7 and 9 Serpentine Road by reason of its overbearing proximity leading to a loss of light and outlook to these properties. The dwelling would also bring a more intensive domestic activity into the existing garden area to the rear of the garage to the detriment of the residential area of Numbers 7 and 9 Serpentine Road. The proposal is therefore not in accordance with Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.