Erection of detached equipment/machinery store.

The proposal sought permission for the erection of a detached building for the storage of machinery, equipment and implements associated with the maintenance of adjacent woodland. The proposed building would have an ‘L’ shape configuration and be constructed from timber with a plain tile pitched roof and timber windows and doors.

The site was in the Green Belt and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The site was located in the grounds of the Mount, a Grade II Listed Building, and in close proximity to the boundary of a Conservation Area.

The report advised that the proposed building for forestry was regarded as appropriate development in the Green Belt. The design of the building would respect its immediate setting and the surrounding area and vernacular styles. The proposal would not have a detrimental impact on neighbour’s amenity.

Members’ attention was drawn to the tabled Late Observations sheet.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:       -

For the Application:              Ms. Smith

Parish Representative:         Cllr. Bergne

Local Member:                      Cllr. McGarvey

The applicant advised that the cost of hiring others to clear the woods had been excessive and so they felt it necessary to purchase their own equipment. This would need to be stored.

(Cllr. McGarvey withdrew from the meeting for the remainder of the item).

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 noted that the application would not be commercial forestry but there was a need for equipment. The building would provide an appropriate level of security for the equipment.

Concern was raised that the development could be inappropriate were it used for other purposes. A Member proposed additional wording in condition 5 so that if the use of forestry ceased then the building would be removed within 3 months. This amendment was carried.

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

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: 100901-08

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

3)         The materials to be used in the construction of the development shall be those indicated on the approved plan 100901-08.

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.

4)         Throughout the course of the development works to trees and methods for tree protection shall be carried out and implemented in accordance with the details contained within the 'Tree Survey Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Arboricultural Method Statement' dated 14 June 2013 unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

To prevent any unnecessary works or damage to the trees in the interest of the trees and visual amenity of the area in accordance with policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks Local Plan.

5)         The building hereby approved shall be used for forestry as set out in the 'Supporting Statement' date stamped received 18.06.13. If the use of forestry ceases the building is to be removed within 3 months.

The site is located in the Green Belt where strict policies of restraint apply. Therefore the Council would wish to assess the impact of any alternative in the interest of the Green Belt accordance with policies LO8 of the Sevenoaks Core Strategy, EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework.

6)         Despite the provisions of any development order, no extension or external alteration shall be carried out to the building hereby permitted.

To safeguard the openness of the Green Belt and appearance of the area in accordance with policies LO8 of the Sevenoaks Core Strategy, EN1 of the Sevenoaks District Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework.

7)         No development shall take place until a desk top study has been undertaken to establish the likely presence of archaeological remains on the site and a report has been submitted to the Local Planning Authority for agreement.  If the study identifies the possibility of archaeological remains then no further development/use shall be carried out until the applicant, or their agents or successors in title, has secured the implementation of a programme of archaeological work in accordance with a written scheme of investigation which has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

In order to safeguard any remaining archaeological interest on the site in accordance with policy EN25A of the Sevenoaks Local Plan and National Planning policy Framework.

8)         No development shall take place until full details of a scheme of Biodiversity enhancement has been submitted to and approved by the local planning authority.  The approved details shall be implemented in full and maintained thereafter.

To ensure that the proposed development will not have a harmful impact on protected species and habitats, and wider biodiversity, in accordance with  policy SP11 of the Core Strategy and guidance in National Planning Policy Framework.