Demolition of garage and erection of two storey side extension.  Loft conversion, involving raising the roof height of the property, with skylights at the front, and dormers at rear.  Replace existing porch with larger porch, whilst balcony above is retained.  Widening of driveway entrance.

The proposal sought the demolition of garage and erection of a two-storey side extension, loft conversion which involved raising the roof height; the replacement of the existing porch with a larger porch; and the widening of the driveway entrance.

The property was a large detached property situated within the built urban confines of Sevenoaks. The site elevated, sloped from north east to south west and was set back from the public highway. Two other applications had been made on the property in the previous year, both refused.

Officers considered that the development would respect the context of the site and would not have an unacceptable impact on the street scene. Any potentially significant impacts on the amenities of nearby dwellings can be satisfactorily mitigated by way of the conditions imposed.

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. Ockenden

For the Application:              Sean Edwards

Parish Representative:         -

Local Member:                      Cllr. Fleming, Cllr. Raikes

In response to a question Officers confirmed the side extension would be 2.2m behind the principal elevation. The application would seek to increase the driveway from 3.5 to 4m.

It was MOVED by the Chairman and was duly seconded that the recommendation in the report to grant permission subject to conditions be adopted.

Concern was raised at the effect development would have on the light received by No.49 Mount Harry Road. It had failed the light test and Members commented that on the Site Inspection they observed how the extensions would be overbearing on a property which was already dark.

It was felt that, as the extension was brought forward closer to the building line, the development would create a terracing effect on the street scene.

The motion was put to the vote and the Chairman declared the motion to be LOST unanimously. It was MOVED by the Vice-Chairman and was duly seconded:

“That planning permission be REFUSED for the following reasons:

1.         The proposed extension would appear cramped on this relatively restricted plot.  The extended dwelling would form an incongruous feature that would erode the spaciousness of the street scene to the detriment of the character of the area contrary to Sevenoaks District Core Strategy Policy SP1 and Sevenoaks District Local Plan Policy EN1.

2.         Due to the increase in built form and height as a result of the proposal along the boundary between the two properties (the site and No.49 Mount Harry Road) the proposal is unacceptable as the development would have an overbearing impact on the private amenity space of the neighbouring property (No.49) and is therefore contrary to Policies EN1 and H6B of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.”

Members felt the proposed changes from the previous planning applications for the site were inadequate to resolve the concerns which had resulted in their refusals.

The motion was put to the vote and it was unanimously –

Resolved: That planning permission be REFUSED for the following reasons:

1.         The proposed extension would appear cramped on this relatively restricted plot.  The extended dwelling would form an incongruous feature that would erode the spaciousness of the street scene to the detriment of the character of the area contrary to Sevenoaks District Core Strategy Policy SP1 and Sevenoaks District Local Plan Policy EN1.

2.         Due to the increase in built form and height as a result of the proposal along the boundary between the two properties (the site and No.49 Mount Harry Road) the proposal is unacceptable as the development would have an overbearing impact on the private amenity space of the neighbouring property (No.49) and is therefore contrary to Policies EN1 and H6B of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.