House extensions and alterations at Merton House, Hambrook Lane, Chilham

What was proposed

The application proposed first-floor and single-storey extensions, alterations to the house and entrance gates, and changes to the outbuilding.

“Proposal 7. Planning permission is sought for a series of extensions and alterations to the dwelling and an existing outbuilding. 8. The proposed works to the dwelling include: • the removal of the existing curved swimming pool enclosure and its replacement with a substantial first-floor flat roofed extension above the retained swimming pool; • the creation of accommodation comprising a living/dining room, kitchenette, bedroom, shower room, studio and storage space above the…”

“The additional first-floor element above the sitting room would be constructed in brickwork, also with a shallow-pitched zinc roof. 10. The existing outbuilding would also be altered through the removal of its existing glazed and solid pitched roof forms, the raising of its external walls and the installation of a new flat roof. Its elevations would be finished using a combination of painted render, timber boarding, brickwork and aluminium windows and doors. 11.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

Merton House is a detached dwelling in a substantial plot within the conservation area and Kent Downs National Landscape.

“The application is being reported to the Planning Committee at the request of the Ward Councillor Geoff Meaden. Site and Surroundings 1. The application site comprises Merton House, a detached dwelling situated on the southern side of Hambrook Lane, Chilham. The site lies within the Chilham Conservation Area and the North Downs National Landscape Area. 2.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

The report records an earlier permitted application for changes to a changing room, plant room, studio and enclosed pool.

“DM - 90/01105/AS - Permit - Demolish existing change room and plant room; build new extension for studio, change room and plant room, enclose existing pool (private residential) Consultations 12. The application has been subject to formal statutory and non-statutory consultation comprising the display of a site notice, a press notice and notification letters sent to the properties in the vicinity of the application site. KCC Archaeology – comments not received.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the pool extension would be a dominant, visually heavy addition that would not integrate with the house.

“Conclusion 46. The proposed flat-roofed first-floor extension above the swimming pool, by reason of its overall scale, bulk and design, would appear as a dominant and unsympathetic addition which would fail to relate satisfactorily to the host dwelling. The proposal would therefore conflict with Policies SP6 and HOU8 of the Ashford Local Plan 2030, SPG10 and the NPPF.”

“The proposed flat-roofed first-floor extension above the swimming pool, by reason of its overall scale, bulk, long horizontal form and design, would result in a dominant and visually heavy addition which would fail to appear subordinate to, or integrate satisfactorily with, the host dwelling.”

Officer report

What people said

Seven objections raised concerns about scale, appearance, privacy, outlook, neighbouring amenity and the conservation area; two letters supported the plans.

“- Concern was raised regarding a proposed garage; however, this was an error on the submitted plans and no garage is proposed as part of the application. Amended plans were subsequently received. - The proposed development would be excessive in scale and would add significant bulk above the existing swimming pool building, which was added in the 1990s and was not part of the original mid-20th-century modernist design of Merton House.”

“- The proposed windows would result in overlooking and loss of privacy to neighbouring properties, including views towards patios and bedroom windows. - The proposal would harm neighbouring residential amenity through increased visual intrusion, overbearing impact, loss of outlook and perceived overlooking.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Ward Member attended the meeting and spoke in support of the application.

The committee decision

The committee resolved to permit the application, subject to conditions and notes.

“Subject to the following conditions and notes:”

“The Head of Development Management and Enforcement be authorised to add such Notes to the Decision Notice as he considers appropriate.”

Minutes

Conditions attached

The conditions covered commencement, approved plans, materials, side openings, ancillary outbuilding use and obscure glazing.

“Standard 3-year commencement 2. Approved plans 3. Materials 4. Removal of permitted development rights for the insertion of new openings to the south west (side) elevation (facing neighbours) 5. Ancillary accommodation – the approved outbuilding shall be used only for purposes ancillary to the use and enjoyment of the main dwelling. 6.”

Minutes