One three-bed bungalow at Blueberry Lane, Knockholt

The site and surroundings

The site is a field parcel containing two former agricultural barns, with trees, a gated track and a nearby public right of way.

“1 The application site comprises a parcel of land within a field, located to the south of 1 Singles Cross and north-west of Blueberry Lodge, with a strip running some 120m eastwards providing access to Blueberry Lane. The main body of the site contains two, former agricultural barn structures now with a lawful commencement for use as two aparthotels located towards the southern boundary of the field.”

“3 There is a worn path which runs from the north-eastern corner of the field towards the south-west, immediately adjacent to the edge of the site. However, the official Public Right of Way (footpath) runs roughly parallel to this, but slightly further to the north-west of the site.”

Officer report

Objections from others

Four interested parties and three further respondents raised concerns about Green Belt openness, visual impact, access, hedges, ecology, the footpath and previous proposals.

“52 Responses have been received from four interested parties raising the following objections, in summary:”

“Siting inappropriate and related access would adversely affect the visual and spatial openness of the Green Belt and appearance of the area. • Isolated Green Belt location. • Reference to objections raised on previous planning applications. • Recent token attempt to demonstrate block-work footings and minimal cladding to one of the barns. • Field remains in use for grazing. • There is ancient woodland in the area which requires a 15m buffer.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from speakers against and for the application, a town representative and a local member; the parish council also requested deferral.

Members’ discussion

Members considered access visibility, hedgerow removal, the previously developed land status, self-build demand and the dwelling’s lower visual impact than two hotels.

“Members asked questions of clarification of the speakers and officers. Whilst it may be possible to increase the visibility splays, this would result in the removal of hedgerows, and the design of the access was already approved under the existing planning permission. The existing permission meant the land was classified as…”

Minutes

The vote

The chair moved that the officer recommendation be agreed, and the motion was put to the vote.

“It was moved from the Chair that the recommendations within the report be agreed.”

“The motion was put to the vote and it was…”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to grant planning permission subject to the listed conditions, including ecology, contamination, construction, landscaping, parking and lighting controls.

“Resolved: That planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:”

“5) No development, including any works of demolition or preparation works prior to building operations, shall take place on site until a Construction Management Plan has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

Minutes