Single-storey classroom at Easteds Barn, Easteds Lane, Southwater

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing a covered play area with a 26-square-metre single-storey classroom, allowing ten more children and two additional staff.

“This application seeks full planning consent for the removal of an existing covered play area and the erection of a single storey classroom as a replacement. The proposed classroom will be located in the northeastern corner of site, covering the same footprint of the existing structure (approximately 26 sqm).”

“The proposed new classroom would facilitate an increase in capacity for the occupiers of Easteds Barn, Little Owls Nursery, allowing for a further 10 children to attend and two additional members of staff to be employed.”

Officer report

The site

The site is within Southwater’s built-up area, includes a nursery garden and outbuilding, and Easteds Barn is a parish heritage asset.

“3 The application site lies within the Built-Up-Area of Southwater, to the east of Easteds Lane. To the south is the Nutham Lane Open Space, a large open grassed area containing a children’s play area and public greenspace. Otherwise, the surrounding area is predominantly residential dwellings.”

“The site consists of the main Easteds Barn building, a parking and service area and a private nursery garden, with an existing outbuilding to which the application relates. The site is bordered by a 1.8 metre high close boarded fence and mature trees and hedging around the northern and eastern boundaries. Easteds Barn is identified in the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan Policy SNP19 as a Parish Heritage Asset, a non-designated heritage asset as defined by the NPPF.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier permissions covered the community building, extensions, alterations, an external store, the covered play area and land-use changes.

“SQ/61/95 Erection of community building and 23 space car park Application Permitted on 30.08.1995”

“DC/21/0511 Retention of covered play area. Application Permitted 03.11.2021”

Officer report

What residents said

Eighteen objection letters raised concerns about noise, design, visual impact, parking, congestion, highway safety, notice and the Travel Plan.

“PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS 3.5 Representations: 18 letters of Objection have been received from 16 addresses, objecting to the application on the following grounds:”

“Increase in levels of noise and general disturbance, to the detriment of nearby residents • The proposed building would be out of keeping with the surrounding buildings, in terms of design, style, materials • The proposed building would appear intrusive and overbearing • The applicants do not adhere to the Travel Plan submitted under previous applications; there are concerns regarding the credibility and effectiveness of this Travel Plan • Development will give rise to…”

Officer report

Public speakers

Two members of the public spoke in support of the application.

The committee vote

The committee resolved to approve the application in accordance with the officer recommendation.

“That DC/26/0595 be approved in accordance with the Officer recommendation.”

Minutes