Five two-bedroom flats at Cranford, Cliff Road, Birchington

What was proposed

The application sought demolition of the existing dwelling and a three-storey building containing five self-contained two-bedroom flats, with parking, landscaping and amenity spaces.

“F/TH/23/0302 - Erection of 1No three storey 5-bed detached dwelling with access, landscaping and parking following the demolition of existing dwelling. Granted 29/11/2023”

“Full planning consent is sought for the demolition of the existing dwelling known as Cranford and its replacement with the erection of a three-storey building to provide a residential development comprising five number two bed apartments. The ground and first floor would have two units and the second floor would accommodate the fifth unit.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a rectangular parcel on the southern side of Cliff Road, occupied by a detached two-storey dwelling within a varied street of mainly two- and three-storey properties.

“Cranford, is a detached, two storey dwelling (although it appears that there was a connected annexe accommodation at ground floor level) with an inverted pitch / butterfly roof, and single storey flat roof rear extension, located on the southern side of Cliff Road, Birchington, overlooking the public highway, area of green public amenity space and Grenham Bay beyond.”

“Properties within Cliff Road are varied with no one defining character or style; however, most properties are either two or three storey in height set within large plots.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers considered the principle, design, neighbouring living conditions, parking, drainage and biodiversity acceptable, subject to a SAMM agreement and safeguarding conditions.

“The building is of a scale and depth that is not considered to be significantly out of keeping with the area, and the design is considered to be acceptable within the streetscene. The impact upon neighbouring occupiers is considered to be acceptable, and adequate parking to serve the development has been achieved.”

“The proposal is therefore considered to comply with the Thanet Local Plan and the NPPF, and it is recommended that Members defer and delegate the application for approval subject to the receipt of an acceptable unilateral obligation securing the SAMM contribution, and safeguarding conditions.”

Officer report

What people said

Eleven objections raised concerns including height, overshadowing, privacy, overdevelopment, parking, construction disturbance, coastal character and neighbourhood-plan conflicts.

“Eleven representations were received objecting to the proposal. The concerns raised can be summarised as follows:”

“Concern about the height of the building • Loss of light and overshadowing • Overbearing • Loss of privacy • Street is made of predominantly dwelling; this could set a precedent for other flat developments • Query procedural issues • Out of keeping with neighbouring residential homes • Lack of car parking • Concern about amount of hardstanding to front to accommodate carparking • Concern about the development being in an Area of High Townscape Value • Previous refused…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in favour of the application, a parish councillor spoke for Birchington Parish Council, and the Principal Planning Officer outlined the report.

The committee vote

The motion was agreed with 9 votes in favour, 2 against and 1 abstention.

“When put to the vote the motion was AGREED.”

Minutes

What was decided

The committee agreed deferment and delegation for approval within six months, subject to securing the SAMM financial contribution and the listed conditions.

“Defer and delegate for approval subject to the satisfactory completion of a legal agreement within 6 months of the date of this resolution securing the required SAMM financial contribution, and the following safeguarding conditions:”

Minutes