Agenda and minutes

Announcement on procedural matters.

The Chairman opened the meeting, introduced Committee members and officers in attendance, and outlined procedural matters of the meeting.

Apologies for absence as reported at the meeting.

Apologies were received from Councillor Warne.  Councillor Hamilton arrived at 6:30pm.  Councillor Dr Hall left the meeting at 8:20pm.  Councillor Hills was not present.

To receive any declarations of interest by Members in items on the agenda.

No declarations of interest were made.

If a Member has been lobbied in connection with any application on the agenda, this should be declared at the start of the meeting, whether by, or in support of, the applicant or objectors.

Members in doubt about such a declaration are advised to contact the Legal Services Manager/Monitoring Officer before the date of the meeting.

Cllrs Atwood, Fitzsimmons, Funnell, Hall, Patterson, Poile, Pope, Pound, Backhouse and Bland advised that they had been lobbied by objectors on application PLA/21/01465/FULL – Scriventon Farm and Buildings, Four Winds Farm, Speldhurst, Kent. 

To note any visiting Members or members of the public wishing to speak, of which due notice has been given in accordance with Planning Committee Rule 3, and which item(s) they wish to speak on. 

Details of Members and members of the public who have registered to speak will be given under the respective planning applications.

To note the application sites visited, as recorded at the meeting.

Members had been given the opportunity to visit application 21/01465/FULL, Scriventon Farm and Buildings, Four Winds Farm, Speldhurst, Kent.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting as a correct record.  The only issue relating to the minutes that can be discussed is their accuracy. 

Members reviewed the minutes.  No amendments were proposed.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting dated 8 December 2021 be recorded as a correct record.

The running order of the applications listed below is subject to change and will be agreed by the Chairman and announced at the meeting.

Planning Report and Presentation – The Head of Planning Services submitted a report in respect of application PLA/21/01465/FULL, Scriventon Farm and Buildings, Four Winds Farm, Speldhurst, Kent and this was summarised at the meeting by Marie Bolton, Principal Planning Officer and illustrated by means of a visual presentation.

Updates and additional representation -  Two additional comments had been received which raised concerns about access onto Frank Hollows Road, impact on the skyline and woodlands, destruction of the footpath and infrastructure on services.  It was considered that these concerns had been addressed in the report.  An amendment to Condition 15 that would ensure Building A remained ancillary to the residential use of Building B and Building C.

Registered Speakers – There were 10 speakers that registered in accordance with the Council’s Constitution (Planning Committee Procedure Rules):

Objectors:

-       Mrs Clare McCulloch

-       Mr Eric Maude

-       Mr James Perry

-       Mr Malcolm Harris

Supporters:

-       Mr John Perry (agent)

-       Ms Christine Fisher

Parish Council

-       Cllr Kim Rajah

Borough Council

-       Cllr Harry Allen

-       Cllr Lucy Willis

-       Cllr Matthew Sankey

Matters of Clarification by Officers and Committee Members’ Questions to Officers:

-       The application was for the conversion of existing buildings, not a rebuild.  The existing buildings were considered to be sound and not in need of major reconstruction.

-       The buildings would require a change in materials and this was considered acceptable.

-       No objections had been received from the Landscape and Biodiversity Officer.

-       The changes made to the scheme were considered to provide a more cohesive use of the buildings.

-       Material changes included bringing in the application site boundary to the back of Building A, curtilage from the west would also be reduced.  Additionally, access would now be from Franks Hollow Road, not Barden Road.

-       The buildings to the North East did not form part of the current application.  A separate application would be required which would be considered on its own merits.

-       Local Plan Policy made provision under H13 for the conversion of existing buildings. 

-       The reuse and conversion of existing buildings was a permissible exception when considering development within the Green Belt (as set out in the NPPF).  This was the same for the original application and was not one of the reasons it was refused.  The Inspector also did not consider it an inappropriate development.

-       The report dealt with issues related to the AONB (Page 128 of the report refers).

-       Comments from the Council’s Landscape and Biodiversity Officer were on page 134/135 of the report.  No objections were raised.  It was further stated that the scheme either met or exceeded policy requirements.

-       The reduction in the number of units, 8 down to 5 was considered to be a material change to the application. 

-       Access rights were a private matter which would be undertaken between the landowner and the applicant and was not a planning consideration. 

-       Condition 9 addressed permitted development rights.  However, it  ...  view the full minutes text for item PLA106/21

Planning Report and Presentation – The Head of Planning Services submitted a report in respect of application PLA/21/01700/FULL, 69 Culverden Down, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent and this was summarised at the meeting by James Moysey, Senior Planning Officer and illustrated by means of a visual presentation.

Updates and additional representation -  An additional Condition had been recommended as follows – ‘Details of pedestrian visibility displays within the curtilage shall be submitted and approved by the Local Planning Authority prior to the commencement of any above ground works.  The development shall thereafter be carried out in strict accordance with the approved details’.  This would be done for pedestrian and highway safety reasons and followed a similar Condition that had been applied to the previous application submitted in 2016. 

Registered Speakers – There were 6 speakers that registered in accordance with the Council’s Constitution (Planning Committee Procedure Rules):

Objectors:

-       Ms Louise La Trobe

-       Mr Tim Shaw

-       Mr and Mrs Richard Prescott

-       Ms Christine Fisher

Supporters:

-       Mr Simon McKay (Agent)

Borough Councillors:

-       Cllr Justine Rutland

Matters of Clarification by Officers and Committee Members’ Questions to Officers – Members raised a number of questions and Officers confirmed the following:

-       No legislation existed that limited the number of applications that could be submitted.  Similarly there was no timescale.  

-       There was no increase in the scale/bulk of the building.  There was no change to the width, depth or position, the only change related to the size of the roof to accommodate an additional unit.

-       The building respected the building/roof line of similar buildings in the immediate area.

-       This was a brownfield site inside the limits of built development and a sustainable location.  The site was considered to make the most efficient use of the land.

-       Para 10.24 onwards provided details of any potential impact on the neighbours.

-       There would be a good level of screening on the boundaries to the side and rear of the property.  The hard and soft landscaping Condition had been recommended that would ensure a good level of screening was retained. 

-       The principle of an apartment building had been approved by an Inspector and was therefore deemed acceptable.

-       The scheme originally came forward with 9 parking spaces for 9 units.  Following concerns from local residents this had been amended to 10 parking spaces. 

-       On road parking was not considered to be an issue as there was plenty of availability. 

-       Condition 15 that related to delivery/removal of plant equipment and waste could be amended to include an instruction that would require this to be done outside school drop off and pick up times.

-       The existing application for 8 apartments included parking provision at the front of the property.

-       Over the time of this application and previous applications there had been no issues around parking provision including at school drop off and pick up.

-       The position of the apartment building had not changed from what  ...  view the full minutes text for item PLA107/21

Planning Report and Presentation – The Head of Planning Services submitted a report in respect of application PLA 21/03584/FULL, The Amelia Scott, Mount Pleasant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent and this was summarised at the meeting by Richard Hazelgrove Principal Planning Officer and illustrated by means of a visual presentation.

Updates and additional representation – None.

Registered Speakers – There were no speakers that registered in accordance with the Council’s Constitution (Planning Committee Procedure Rules)

Matters of Clarification by Officers and Committee Members’ Questions to Officers – Members raised a number of questions and officers confirmed the following:

-       It was estimated the installation would extend down the wall but would remain high enough from the ground so as not to be within the reach of children. 

Decision/voting – On the basis that members were satisfied that all relevant planning considerations had been covered within the report, a motion was proposed by Councillor Poile, seconded by Councillor Patterson and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.

RESOLVED – That application PLA 21/03584/FULL, The Amelia Scott, Mount Pleasant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent be granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report.

Planning Report and Presentation – The Head of Planning Services submitted a report in respect of application PLA 21/03585/LBC, The Amelia Scott, Mount Pleasant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent and this was summarised at the meeting by Richard Hazelgrove Principal Planning Officer and illustrated by means of a visual presentation.

Updates and additional representation – None.

Registered Speakers – There were no speakers that registered in accordance with the Council’s Constitution (Planning Committee Procedure Rules)

Decision/voting – On the basis that members were satisfied that all relevant planning considerations had been covered within the report, a motion was proposed by Councillor Poile, seconded by Councillor Funnell and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.

RESOLVED – That application PLA 21/03585/LBC, The Amelia Scott, Mount Pleasant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent be granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report.

Planning Report and Presentation – The Head of Planning Services submitted a report in respect of application PLA 21/03805/FULL, The Amelia Scott, Mount Pleasant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent and this was summarised at the meeting by Richard Hazelgrove Principal Planning Officer and illustrated by means of a visual presentation.

Updates and additional representation – None.

Registered Speakers – There were no speakers that registered in accordance with the Council’s Constitution (Planning Committee Procedure Rules)

Decision/voting – On the basis that members were satisfied that all relevant planning considerations had been covered within the report, a motion was proposed by Councillor Hamilton, seconded by Councillor Backhouse and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.

RESOLVED – That application PLA 21/03805/FULL, The Amelia Scott, Mount Pleasant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent be granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report.

Planning Report and Presentation – The Head of Planning Services submitted a report in respect of application PLA 21/03773/LBC, The Amelia Scott, Mount Pleasant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent and this was summarised at the meeting by Richard Hazelgrove, Principal Planning Officer and illustrated by means of a visual presentation.

Updates and additional representation – None.

Registered Speakers – There were no speakers that registered in accordance with the Council’s Constitution (Planning Committee Procedure Rules)

Decision/voting – On the basis that members were satisfied that all relevant planning considerations had been covered within the report, a motion was proposed by Councillor Hamilton, seconded by Councillor Atwood and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.

RESOLVED – That application PLA 21/03773/LBC, The Amelia Scott, Mount Pleasant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent be granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report.

Planning Report and Presentation – The Head of Planning Services submitted a report in respect of application PLA 21/03824/FULL, TW Lawn Tennis Club, Nevill Gate, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent and this was summarised at the meeting by Michael Taylor, Planning Officer and illustrated by means of a visual presentation.

Updates and additional representation – None.

Registered Speakers – There was 1 speaker that registered in accordance with the Council’s Constitution (Planning Committee Procedure Rules):

Objector:

Ms Christine Fisher.

Decision/voting – On the basis that members were satisfied that all relevant planning considerations had been covered within the report, a motion was proposed by Councillor Backhouse, seconded by Councillor Pound and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.

RESOLVED – That application PLA 21/03824/FULL, TW Lawn Tennis Club, Nevill Gate, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent be granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report.

Planning Report and Presentation – The Head of Planning Services submitted a report in respect of application PLA 21/03819/LAWPRO, 98 Farmcombe Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent and this was summarised at the meeting by Richard Hazelgrove, Principal Planning Officer and illustrated by means of a visual presentation.

Updates and additional representation – None.

Registered Speakers – There were no speakers that registered in accordance with the Council’s Constitution (Planning Committee Procedure Rules):

Decision/voting – On the basis that members were satisfied that all relevant planning considerations had been covered within the report, a motion was proposed by Councillor Hamilton, seconded by Councillor Pope and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.

RESOLVED – That application PLA 21/03819/LAWPRO, 98 Farmcombe Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent be granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report.

Planning Report and Presentation – The Head of Planning Services submitted a report in respect of application PLA 21/02192/FULL, Fridays of Cranbrook Ltd, Chequer Tree Farm, Swattenden Lane, Cranbrook, Kent and this was summarised at the meeting by Richard Hazelgrove, Principal Planning Officer and illustrated by means of a visual presentation.

Updates and additional representation – None.

Registered Speakers – There was 1 speaker that registered in accordance with the Council’s Constitution (Planning Committee Procedure Rules):

Objector:

Ms Christine Fisher.

Committee Debate and Officers Responses – Members of the Committee took account of the presentations made and raised a number of questions and issues within their discussions.  These included:

-       It was noted by some Members that the company had been operating for over 40 years on the same site and they should be congratulated. 

Decision/voting – On the basis that members were satisfied that all relevant planning considerations had been covered within the report, a motion was proposed by Councillor Pound, seconded by Councillor Fitzsimmons and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.

RESOLVED – That application PLA 21/02192/FULL, Fridays of Cranbrook Ltd, Chequer tree Farm, Swattenden Lane, Cranbrook, Kent be granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report

Planning Report and Presentation – The Head of Planning Services submitted a report in respect of application PLA 21/03790/REM, Land North of 56 Culverden Down, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent and this was summarised at the meeting by Richard Hazelgrove, Principal Planning Officer and illustrated by means of a visual presentation.

Updates and additional representation – None.

Registered Speakers – There were no speakers that registered in accordance with the Council’s Constitution (Planning Committee Procedure Rules)

Decision/voting – On the basis that members were satisfied that all relevant planning considerations had been covered within the report, a motion was proposed by Councillor Poile, seconded by Councillor Pound and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.

RESOLVED – That application PLA 21/03790/REM, Land North of 56 Culverden Down, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent be granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report.

To receive notice of Appeal Decisions determined between 30 November and 31 December 2021.

RESOLVED – That the list of appeal decisions provided for information, be noted.

To consider any other items which the Chairman decides are urgent, for the reasons to be stated, in accordance with Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There was no urgent business for consideration.

The next Planning Committee was scheduled for Wednesday 2 February 2022.

The next Planning Committee meeting was scheduled for Wednesday 2 February 2022.