Venue: Council Chamber, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RS
Contact: Democratic Services Team
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Chair's Introduction PDF 92 KB Announcement on procedural matters. Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair opened the meeting, introduced Committee members and officers in attendance, and outlined procedural matters of the meeting. |
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Apologies for absence as reported at the meeting.
Additional documents: Minutes: There were no apologies for absence. |
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Declarations of Interest PDF 67 KB To receive any declarations of interest by Members in items on the agenda.
Additional documents: Minutes: No declarations of interest were made. |
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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.
Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Fitzsimmons and Moon advised that they had been lobbied by supporters on PLA168/23 Land South Of Brenchley Road, Brenchley Road, Horsmonden, Tonbridge, Kent.
Councillor Le Page, Neville, O’Connell, Osborne, Patterson, Pope and Bland advised that they had been lobbied by objectors on application PLA169/23 Grovehurst Grange, Haymans Hill, Horsmonden, Tonbridge, Kent.
Councillor Britcher-Allan advised that she had been lobbied by supporters on application PLA/170/23 74 Rusthall High Street, Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. |
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To note the application sites visited, as recorded at the meeting. Additional documents: Minutes: Members had not undertaken any site visits. |
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To approve the minutes of the meeting dated Wednesday 17 May 2023 PDF 216 KB Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting dated Wednesday 17 May 2023 be recorded as a correct record. |
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Reports of Head of Planning Services (attached) PDF 28 KB The running order of the applications listed below is subject to change and will be agreed by the Chairman and announced at the meeting. Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair confirmed the order of business was:
i. PLA168/23 - Land South Of Brenchley Road, Brenchley Road, Horsmonden, Tonbridge, Kent.
ii. PLA169/23 Grovehurst Grange, Haymans Hill, Horsmonden, Tonbridge, Kent.
iii. PLA170/23 74 Rusthall High Street, Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
iv. PLA/171/23 65A Ringden Avenue, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Kent.
v. PLA/172/23 Tunbridge Wells MOT Centre, North Farm Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
vi. PLA/173/23 Town Hall, Mount Pleasant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
vii. PLA/174/23 Town Hall, Mount Pleasant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent. |
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Additional documents: Minutes: Planning Report and Presentation – The Head of Planning Services submitted a report in respect of application PLA168/23 Land South Of Brenchley Road, Brenchley Road, Horsmonden, Tonbridge, Kent and this was summarised at the meeting by Richard Hazelgrove, Acting Team Leader Development Management and illustrated by means of a visual presentation.
Updates and additional representation – An update to the wording of the officer recommendation in the report was provided.
Registered Speakers – There were 5 speakers that registered in accordance with the Council’s Constitution (Planning Committee Procedure Rules)
Objectors: · John Poore, a local resident. · Robert Dicketts, a local resident. · Amanda Cheston, a local resident.
Supporters: · Gary Mickelborough, Bloomfields Chartered Town Planners.
Borough Councillors not on the Planning Committee: · Councillor Jane March, Brenchley and Matfield.
Matters of clarification by Officers and Committee Members’ questions to Officers included: i. Kent County Council (KCC) Highways had been consulted and were satisfied that the access arrangements and the transport assessment undertaken delivered a safe and suitable access to the site. ii. A drainage strategy was submitted with the application which outlined how the surface water drainage would be dealt with in the reserved matters and sought to limit run off from the site so that it was no greater than Greenfield run off rate. That was subject to a number of conditions set out by KCC Flood. iii. The Local Neighbourhood Development Plan (LNDP) proposed a new village hall within the village and identified the site before Members as the location. The referendum for the LNDP was held in June 2023 and it was adopted at Full council on 5 July 2023. iv. Condition 23 on page 78 of the agenda ensured that houses on the site were not occupied until KCC Highways cleared obstructions on footpath and built the footpath. v. In response to concerns raised about the amount of social houses and the size of the houses, Officers advised that as the application was still in outline, the number of social houses had not been finalised nor had the sizes of the properties. If Members were minded, it was possible to attach an informative that the provision of larger, affordable housing was considered as part of reserved matters. vi. Members considered it was important that they were seen to have representation from South East Water (SEW) and visibility at the Committee to see their opinion on the new development. Officers confirmed that SEW were consulted at the pre submission phase of the Local Plan (LP) in terms of supply and the site before Members was part of the LP. vii. It was advised that the funding for the Village Hall was due to be secured through Section (S) 106 from other allocated sites in the Horsmonden area. It was not the case that the village hall was funded purely by developer contributions, other Parish Council’s for example, other parish councils had funded their village halls through a combination of S106 monies, lottery grants and local fundraising. Further discussion and ... view the full minutes text for item PLA168/23 |
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Additional documents: Minutes: Planning Report and Presentation – The Head of Planning Services submitted a report in respect of application PLA169/23 Grovehurst Grange, Haymans Hill, Horsmonden, Tonbridge, Kent and this was summarised at the meeting by Richard Hazelgrove, Acting Development Management Team Leader and illustrated by means of a visual presentation.
Updates and additional representation – Since publication of the agenda report, the presenting officers updated:
· Revised condition 2:
The site shall either: be used for holiday accommodation, where the site shall not be used at any time as a sole and principal residency by any occupants. No caravan on the site shall be occupied for more than six weeks at a time and no person or persons may occupy any one or more caravans on the Site for a period of six weeks or more in any twelve-month period. No caravan shall be used for purposes other than holiday accommodation as detailed above (and for the avoidance of doubt, “holiday accommodation” does not include any other residential purpose, whether or not within the Schedule of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 or in any provision equivalent to that class in any statutory instrument revoking and re-enacting that order with or without modification); or
be occupied by persons solely or mainly working or last working in the locality in agriculture (as defined in Section 336 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990) or forestry or a widow or widower of such a person and to any resident dependents
A logbook detailing each individual occupancy shall be maintained and provided within three (3) working days of any request to provide such information by the Local Planning Authority.
Reason: To maintain the availability of the site as short term holiday accommodation and to maintain available accommodation for the local needs of agriculture or forestry.
Registered Speakers – There were 4 speakers that registered in accordance with the Council’s Constitution (Planning Committee Procedure Rules)
Objectors: · Claire Boydell, a local resident. · John Boydell, a local resident.
Supporters: · Gary Mickelborough, Bloomfields Chartered Town Planners.
Borough Councillors not on the Committee: · Councillor Jane March, Brenchley and Horsemonden.
Matters of clarification by Officers and Committee Members’ questions to Officers included: i. Officers set out that there was no requirement in national or local planning policy to justify the principle of new or expanded tourism facilities. There was a presumption in favour of such development. A viability assessment was required in some instances were it was proposed to remove a tourism facility for other non-tourism developments, but not for their provision/expansion. ii. Officers clarified that the applicant wanted to remove condition 2 and 3 and substitute them with a broader agricultural occupancy condition, which reflected the standard model condition that was published by the Planning Inspectorate. iii. There was no distinction in planning procedure or law between commercial holiday use and non- commercial holiday use. iv. Officers confirmed the use of the site was not being changed – it was already a caravan site permitted ... view the full minutes text for item PLA169/23 |
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Additional documents: Minutes: Planning Report and Presentation – The Head of Planning Services submitted a report in respect of application PLA170/23 74 Rusthall High Street, Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells, Kent and this was summarised at the meeting by Andrew McLachlan-Newens, Planning Officer and illustrated by means of a visual presentation.
Updates and additional representation – None.
Registered Speakers – There were 2 speakers that registered in accordance with the Council’s Constitution (Planning Committee Procedure Rules)
Objectors: · Thomas Cameron, a local resident.
Supporters: · Kazim Kaplan, the applicant.
Matters of clarification by Officers and Committee Members’ questions to Officers included: i. In relation to the condition which sought 1.8 metre boarded screening fence on the elevation closest to the neighbour, Members were advised that they had the opportunity, having considered the application and representations, to approve the recommendation as per the agenda, or whether to suggest a variation to that condition to either provide an alternative method of screening or to delete the condition in its entirety. ii. Members were advised that it was important to focus on the planning merits which related to the potential overlooking and the potential overshadowing of the neighbours property rather than what was the safest option as that was not the role of the Local Planning Authority (LPA). iii. Concerns were raised about whether the applicant could use the patio for socialising rather than solely access, this was addressed and it was advised that the property had no other form of access to the rear garden other than the patio windows at the back and the use of the patio was limited by its depth therefore its main function was for access. iv. Since the original submission the extension had been reduced by approximately 30 centimetres. However, the patio and steps in question had a depth of about 1 to 1.25 metres therefore had extended beyond the originally permitted maximum extent of the rear extension. v. It was clarified that the proposal before Members had a retrospective element of the patio and a proposed element which was the construction of a screen on the side. vi. It was confirmed that the patio was currently unlawful development and this application sought to regularise it. vii. It was stated that the application was either acceptable in its current form or it was not, however, Members did have the option to defer the application to a later date if they felt that was appropriate and ask the applicant to amend the plans. viii. Officers were unable to provide advice on ways to make the patio safer that was a matter for Building Regulations and not what was before Members for consideration. ix. If the patio was decking and not concrete it would still need planning permission.
Committee Member debate and Officer clarification included: i. It was acknowledged that the neighbour had not objected to the original application as the patio was not part of the submission. ii. Given that the applicant had been granted permission for steps but went ahead and built a ... view the full minutes text for item PLA170/23 |
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Additional documents: Minutes: Planning Report and Presentation – The Head of Planning Services submitted a report in respect of application PLA171/23 65A Ringden Avenue, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Kent and this was summarised at the meeting by James Taylor, 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 included: i. The report was taken as read.
Committee Member debate and Officer clarification included: i. A concerns related to cars reversing were raised however they recognised there were no KCC Highways comments on the application. ii. It was acknowledged that the next door neighbour had already a dropped kerb and visibility looked good. iii. It was stated that the reason the application was before Committee was because Tunbridge Wells Borough Council owned some of the land within the application site.
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 Pope, seconded by Councillor Britcher-Allan and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.
RESOLVED – That application PLA171/23 be granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report. |
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Additional documents: Minutes: Planning Report and Presentation – The Head of Planning Services submitted a report in respect of application PLA172/23 Tunbridge Wells MOT Centre, North Farm Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent and this was summarised at the meeting by Richard Hazelgrove, Acting Development Management Team Leader 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 included: i. The report was taken as read.
Committee Member debate and Officer clarification included: i. The old MOT building was considered grotty and Members considered the proposal to be a much better solution to tidy the site and provide storage.
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 White, seconded by Councillor Patterson and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.
RESOLVED – That application PLA172/23 be granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report. |
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Additional documents: Minutes: Planning Report and Presentation – The Head of Planning Services submitted a report in respect of application PLA173/23 Town Hall, Mount Pleasant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent and this was summarised at the meeting by Richard Hazelgrove, Acting Development Management Team Leader 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 included: i. The report was taken as read.
Committee Member debate and Officer clarification included: i. No matters of significance were discussed.
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 Britcher-Allan, seconded by Councillor Neville and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.
RESOLVED – That application PLA173/23 be granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report. |
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Additional documents: Minutes: Planning Report and Presentation – The Head of Planning Services submitted a report in respect of application PLA174/23 Town Hall Mount Pleasant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent and this was summarised at the meeting by Richard Hazelgrove, Acting Development Management Team Leader 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 included: i. The report was taken as read.
Committee Member debate and Officer clarification included: i. No matters of significance were discussed.
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 Pope, seconded by Councillor Johnson and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.
RESOLVED – That application PLA174/23 be granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report.
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Appeal Decisions for Noting 10 May 2023 to 10 July 2023 PDF 61 KB Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED – That the list of appeal decisions provided for information, be noted. |
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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.
Additional documents: Minutes: There was no urgent business for consideration. |
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Date of Next Meeting PDF 28 KB The next Planning Committee was scheduled for Wednesday 16 August 2023. Additional documents: Minutes: The next Planning Committee meeting was scheduled for Wednesday 16 August 2023. |