Agenda item

Planning Report and Presentation – The Head of Planning Services submitted a report in respect of application PLA161/19 Tadpoles, 6 Blatchington Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent and this was summarised at the meeting by Ms McGuckin, Planning Officer, and illustrated by means of a visual presentation.

Updates and additional representations – Officers advised that a newspaper advertisement was required and the period for representations had not yet expired therefore a change to the recommendation was made to:

Delegated Powers to the Head of Planning to Grant Planning Permission subject to the expiry of the newspaper advert and no new planning issues being raised.

Registered Speakers – There were 2 speakers who had registered and who spoke in accordance with the Council’s Constitution (Planning Committee Procedure Rules):

Public Objectors

·         Mr Neil Williams, Chairman of the Warwick Park Area Residents Association, provided a statement which was read out by Mrs Moran the Democratic Services Officer.

·         Mr Colin & Mrs Louise Atkins, neighbours provided a statement which was read out by Mrs Moran the Democratic Services Officer.

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

              i.        A drainage strategy had not been submitted and was not considered necessary at this stage by KCC Flood and Water Management and could be submitted as part of building regulations at a later date.

             ii.        The measurement guidelines of KCC Flood and Water Management are subject to change and are in line with KCC guidance at the time of submission hence no specific mention of 2 metres included in the condition.

            iii.        There is a lack of inspection chambers which makes the exact route of the culvert difficult to identify. The exact location of the culvert is believed to be on the western side of the site under the existing garage and would be under the proposed garage therefore the 2m separation distance would not be possible.

           iv.        That it was the land owners’ responsibility for the maintenance of the culvert.

            v.        Existing issues at the site could not be resolved through the planning system and the purpose of the application is to ensure that any issues caused by the proposed development are mitigated by the conditions.

           vi.        In order to protect the culvert the proposed building may need to be less than, or the same size as what is already there.

          vii.        In terms of the Council not having a policy regarding building over culverts, each case has to be taken on it’s merits at the time of submission.

Committee Member Discussion – Members  proceeded to discuss the application and the principal issues as follows:

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·         Concerns were raised about the location and access to the culvert.

·         It was acknowledged that the proposal in 2016 albeit expired had previously been approved.

Decision/voting – On the basis that members were satisfied that all relevant planning considerations had been covered within the report and the debate, a motion was proposed by Councillor Backhouse, seconded by Councillor Podbury to give Delegated Powers to the Head of Planning to Grant Planning Permission subject to the expiry of the newspaper advert and no new planning issues being raised. 

RESOLVED – That application PLA161/19 be granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report.