Demolition of existing building and erection of 6 new build apartments with undercroft parking and associated landscaping and visitor parking.

The proposal was for the demolition of existing building and erection of 6 new build apartments with undercroft parking and associated landscaping and visitor parking. The application had been referred to the Development Control Committee on the grounds that it was out of keeping with the Vine Conservation Area, its height and scale contrary to the inspectors appeal decision and the impact on the historic Vine Cricket Ground.

Members’ attention was brought to the main agenda papers and the late observation sheet which amended condition 2 and included an additional condition.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:          Peter Bennellick

For the Application:                  Emma Gregson

Parish Representative:                        -

Local Member:                          Cllr. Fleming

Members asked questions of clarification from the officers.

It was moved by the Chairman and duly seconded that the recommendation in the report to grant planning permission be agreed.

Members discussed the comments made by the Planning Inspectorate and that his concerns had been addressed . Members discussed whether the development was in keeping with the surrounding properties and whether it would harm the conservation area as the height, bulk and distance between neighbouring properties had been reduced.

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 3 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 P20B, P22B, P30C, P71C, P72G, P73G, P74C, P92A, P93D, 94A,  P901A

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

3) No development shall take place, including any works of demolition, until a Construction Method Statement has been submitted to, and approved in writing by, the local planning authority. The approved Statement shall be adhered to throughout the construction period. The Statement shall provide for:

-   the parking of vehicles of site operatives and visitors
-   loading and unloading of plant and materials
-   storage of plant and materials used in constructing the development
-   the erection and maintenance of security hoarding including decorative displays and facilities for public viewing,
-   where appropriate wheel washing facilities
-   measures to control the emission of dust and dirt during construction
-   a scheme for recycling/disposing of waste resulting from demolition and construction works

To protect the amenities of the locality

4)     Prior to occupation of the development, the landscaping details as shown on approved plan P20B and P22B shall be implemented, and shall be retained thereafter unless otherwise approved in writing by the local planning authority.

To protect the visual appearance of the area as supported by EN1 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

5) If within a period of 5 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 protect the visual appearance of the area as supported by EN1 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

6)     Despite the details shown in the application, no development shall be carried out on the land until further details of the materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the building 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 conservation area as supported by Policy EN1 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

7)     No development shall take place until full details of the proposed foul and surface water drainage systems have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Council.  Any approved scheme shall be completed to the written satisfaction of the Council prior to the construction of the development.  The Local Planning Authority is satisfied that it is fundamental to the development permitted to address this issue before development commences and that without this safeguard planning permission should not be granted.

To avoid overload of any existing drainage systems and to meet sustainability and environmental objectives.

8)     Details of cycle storage provision shall be submitted in writing to the local planning authority. The approved details shall be implemented prior to occupation of the building and retained as such thereafter.

In the interests of sustainable transport provision.

9)     Details of obscure glazing of the flank windows in the 1st floor of the northern elevation shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The approved details shall be implemented prior to occupation of the building and retained thereafter.

To safeguard the privacy of neighbouring residents as supported by Policy EN2 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

10)   Details of all boundary and enclosure treatments of the site including, location, height and materials shall be submitted to and approved by the local planning authority. The approved details shall be implemented prior to occupation of he development and retained thereafter.

To protect the visual appearance of the area as supported by EN1 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.

11)   No development shall take place until details of the: existing levels of the land; any proposed slab levels and any changes in levels have been submitted for approval.  The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

To safeguard the visual appearance of the area as supported by EN1 of the Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan.