Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of 2 No. semi-detached chalet bungalows, with off street parking for 4 No. cars with new access crossover to Church Road.

The proposal was for the demolition of an existing bungalow and erection of one pair of semi-detached chalet bungalows with off-street parking for 4 cars accessed via a new access.

The site comprised a corner residential plot currently occupied by a detached bungalow set within an established residential area on the corner of Gresham Avenue and Church Road. There was a well planted boundary. Permission had previously been granted on appeal for a single 4-bed house on this part of the site.

The Case Officer advised that in terms of position on site and design the existing planning permission was for a building similar to the one now proposed. However the present application was for the building to be split into two semi-detached units, hardstanding would be in place of the proposed carport and the front doors would be placed on the side elevations of the building.

Members’ attention was drawn to the tabled Late Observations sheet. The Officer recommended an amendment to condition 4 to add that it be in accord with a time scale to be approved by the LPA.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:       Steve Watkins

For the Application:              Paddy Miller

Parish Representative:         -

Local Member:                      Cllr. Abraham, Cllr. Ramsay

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

It was noted that there was a small decrease in built form over the application previously granted permission. There would be the same number of bedrooms though there could be a small increase in traffic resulting. Members expressed support for smaller properties to allow residents to downsize.

There was concern that having two properties would result in an intensification in the use of the gardens.

The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

8 votes in favour of the motion

4 votes against the motion

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)         No development shall be carried out on the land until samples of the materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the dwellings hereby permitted have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Council. The development shall be carried out using the approved materials.

To ensure that the appearance of the development enhances the character and appearance of the area as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

3)         Before the occupation of the development hereby permitted the car parking and turning areas shown on the approved plans shall be provided and shall be kept available at all times for the parking of cars.

To ensure adequate off street parking for future residents.

4)         No development shall take place until full details of both hard and soft landscape works including any tree planting have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority and these works shall be carried out as approved.

To ensure a satisfactory appearance upon completion in accordance with the provisions of policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

5)         The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: P01A, P03, P021B, P031,P041,P051, P061,P071

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

6)         No extension or external alterations shall be carried out to the dwellings hereby approved, despite the provisions of any Development Order.

To protect the character and amenities of the surrounding area in accordance with the provisions of policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.