Demolition of existing conservatory to facilitate the erection of a two storey rear extension to include rooflight. Redesign the rear elevation to create a double gabled well fenestrated facade. Creation of partial basement, the roof of the basement will be re-laid as a decked terrace to ground floor living/dining area, reinstating the existing terrace. Internal alterations and changes to side elevations fenestration. Re-submission of SE/13/00934/HOUSE.

The proposal was to demolish an existing conservatory to be replaced with a two storey rear extension to create a double gabled fenestrated façade to the rear. Development would also include a basement, the roof of which will be laid as a decked terrace to the ground floor living dining area incorporating steps from the kitchen living room and corner planters to ensure privacy to adjoining properties. The terrace would be above the existing ground level and the proposed ground level. Alterations were also proposed internally and some minor changes to the side elevations fenestration including new windows.

The site was within the built urban confines of Sevenoaks. The gardens sloped steeply from north to south.

Officers considered that the development would not appear bulky in comparison to the rest of the development and would not result in a material loss of privacy, outlook, daylight or sunlight to habitable or private amenity space of neighbouring properties, or have a detrimental visual impact or overbearing effect on neighbouring properties or 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. Smith

For the Application:              Mr. Adams

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 to grant permission subject to conditions be adopted.

Members indicated that they did not feel the development would be overbearing or overdevelopment. The impact on neighbours’ amenities would be small if appropriate boundary treatment were in place and once it had matured.

Noting the comments of the neighbour, it was suggested there would have been less impact on the visual amenities of neighbours if the roof had been hipped rather than gabled.

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:- Drawing Number P010 Revision A, dated September 2012, stamped 2 October 2013;- Drawing Number P011 Revision E, dated September 2012, stamped 2 October 2013;- Drawing Number P012 Revision A, dated September 2012, stamped 4 September 2013;- Drawing Number P020 Revision D, dated September 2012, stamped 4 September 2013;- Drawing Number P021 Revision D, dated September 2012, stamped 4 September 2013;- Drawing Number P022 Revision E, dated September 2012, stamped 2 October 2013;- Drawing Number P023 Revision E, dated September 2012, stamped 2 October 2013;- Drawing Number P024 Revision C, dated September 2012, stamped 2 October 2013;- Drawing Number P025, dated September 2012, stamped 4 September 2013;

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

3)         No development shall be carried out on the land until details of the materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the extension 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 is in harmony with the existing character of the building as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

4)         No development shall be carried out on the land until full details of soft landscape works and associated screening / boundary treatment have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Council.  Those details shall include:-planting plans (identifying existing planting, plants to be retained and new planting);-a schedule of new plants (noting species, size of stock at time of planting and proposed number/densities); and-a programme of implementation.-details of proposed screening / boundary treatment/ corner planters for terrace

To safeguard the privacy of residents as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

5)         Soft landscape works and associated screening / boundary treatment shall be carried out before the occupation of the extension.  These landscape and boundary treatment works shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

To safeguard the privacy of residents as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

6)         If within a period of five years from the completion of the development, any of the trees or plants that form part of the approved details of soft landscaping die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased then they shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species.

To safeguard the privacy of residents as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

7)         The first floor flank windows on the north-east and south-west elevations shall be obscure glazed at all times and non-opening unless the parts of the window which can be opened are more than 1.7 metres above the floor of the room.

To safeguard the privacy of the adjoining residents in accordance with Policies EN1 and H6B of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan.

8)         No development shall take place until the applicant, or their agents or successors in title, has secured the implementation of a watching brief to be undertaken by an archaeologist approved by the Local Planning Authority so that the excavation is observed and items of interest and finds are recorded. The watching brief shall be in accordance with a written programme and specification which has been submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority.

To ensure that features of archaeological interest are properly examined and recorded.