Partial garage conversion at 61 Galena Close, Sittingbourne

What was proposed

The application sought to convert about one third of the attached garage into a study and add a ground-floor side window.

“PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 3.1. Planning permission is sought for the partial conversion of the existing attached garage to a study. The proposed works would relate to approximately one third of the garage. The scheme also includes the insertion of a ground floor side window.”

“The conversion of the garage would normally constitute works not requiring planning permission. However, in this instance, there is a planning condition (condition 28 of SW/96/0717 as set out above) that restricts the garage to vehicle parking only, hence this planning application has been submitted.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a detached two-storey dwelling with an integral garage, hardstanding at the front and private amenity space behind.

“SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION 1.1. The application site consists of a detached two storey dwelling with an integral garage, located within the built up area boundary of Sittingbourne. The frontage of the site is comprised of hardstanding with private amenity space to the rear. The surrounding streetscene is characterized by residential dwellings of a similar scale and design.”

Officer report

Planning history

An earlier outline permission included a condition requiring land to remain available for parking or garaging, while a neighbouring garage conversion was granted in 2023.

“The details submitted pursuant to condition (i) above, in respect of the residential development aspect of the development shall show adequate land to the satisfaction of the District Planning Authority, reserved for the parking or garaging of cars (in accordance with the currently adopted Kent County Council Vehicle Parking Standards) which land shall be kept available for this purpose at all times and no permanent development, whether permitted by the Town and Country…”

“(Adjacent site – 62 Galena Close) 23/502300/FULL – Garage conversion into a habitable space – Granted 11.07.2023”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers considered the scheme acceptable because it would maintain the streetscene, have no parking or highway impact, and protect neighbouring living conditions.

“Overall, the scheme would have a neutral impact upon the available parking provision at the property and in any case has an acceptable number of parking spaces. Therefore, the proposal would not give rise to any adverse impact on highway safety or convenience. As such the scheme complies with policy DM7 of the Local Plan.”

“Living Conditions 7.5.1. Policy DM14 of the Local Plan and the NPPF requires that new development has sufficient regard for the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers. The only external change proposed is a ground floor side window that faces no.60 Galena Close. The proposed window will face the side elevation of no.60 where there are no existing ground floor windows. As a result, there would be no opportunities for harmful levels of overlooking.”

Officer report

Consultation and representations

No representations were received from neighbours, the parish council or ward councillors, and no consultations were required.

“Bobbing Parish Council - no comments received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Planning Manager introduced the application, and the ward member, who was also on the committee, raised no objection.

The committee’s decision

The Chairman moved and Councillor Elliott Jayes seconded the officer recommendation, and the application was granted as recommended.

“The Chairman moved the officer recommendation to grant planning permission as per the recommendation in the report, and this was seconded by Councillor Elliott Jayes.”

“Resolved: That application 26/501729/FULL be granted as per the recommendation in the report.”

Minutes