Second vehicle access at 55 Bewsbury Cross Lane, Whitfield

“The application seeks permission for the creation of a second vehicular access to the southern side of the site to be finished in permeable block paving. The proposed block plan shows that one further off-road parking space will be created resulting in a total of 2 off-road parking spaces. It would be necessary to create an opening in the existing fence to accommodate the access. The existing and proposed floor plans are shown below:”

“The application seeks permission for the creation of an additional access to the left- hand side finished in permeable block paving. The access will create space for one new off road parking space. The plans indicate the removal of the existing boundary treatment to the south of the existing access (which does not benefit from planning permission). The existing and proposed floor plans are shown below:”

“The application site relates to a two-storey detached dwelling situated on Bewsbury Cross Lane, on the corner of the junction of Bewsbury Cross Lane and Nursery Lane, within the settlement confines of Whitfield. There is an existing vehicular access to the northern side of the property and space for parking to both the side and front of the property. There is no existing turning space for vehicles within the site.”

“DOV/25/00782 - Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) of planning permission 19/00590 (Erection of two storey side, part single and part two storey rear extensions with Juliette balconies to first floor and formation of new vehicle access (existing conservatory, porch and garage to be demolished)) for alterations to windows/doors - GRANTED”

“(Officer comment: The application description included the formation of a new vehicle access. However, the existing and proposed plans suggested (and google street view confirms) that the access already existed to the northern end of the site but the intention was to extend the parking area within the site to accommodate 3 parking spaces side on to the road and with their fronts facing to the north including the creation of permeable block paving.”

“Main Issues 2.1 The main issues for consideration are: • Principle • Character and appearance • Residential Amenity • Parking and Highway safety • Surface Water Drainage Principle of Development 2.2 The proposal is for the creation of a new vehicular access to a property on Bewsbury Cross Lane, in the settlement confines of Whitfield, Dover. There is no policy in the local plan that supports or restricts the formation of a vehicular access.”

“However, it is considered that the scale of the hardstanding, which would be constructed of a permeable material, is minimal and will not impact surface water runoff to a significant degree. Therefore, the proposal is considered to comply with Policy CC6 of the Dover District Local Plan (2024). 3.”

“KCC Highways – Development does not meet criteria to warrant involvement…”

“Whitfield Parish Council – No comments to make…”

“Councillor J S Back noted that the application complied with Local Plan policy T12 and commented that land ownership was not a planning matter. Councillor M J Nee agreed that land ownership conflicts were private matters, but observed that the site plan covered the verge which was highway land and sought confirmation that the red line plan was correct. The Planning Officer confirmed that the correct notice had been served on Kent County Council in relation to the verge.”

“RESOLVED: (a) That Application No DOV/26/00266 be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:”

“(b) That powers be delegated to the Head of Planning and Development to settle any necessary conditions in line with the issues set out in the recommendation and as resolved by the Planning Committee.”