7 family homes at Hampton, Hawkhirst Road, Kenley

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing dwelling and garages and building seven homes with access, parking, gardens and landscaping.

“PLANNING COMMITTEE AGENDA 25 th September 2025 Planning Applications for Decision Item 1 1 APPLICATION DETAILS Ref: 25/01540/FUL Location: Hampton, Hawkhirst Road, Kenley, CR8 5DL Ward: Kenley Description: Demolition of existing dwelling and garages; erection of 7 dwellings; formation of vehicular access and associated parking and landscaping Drawing Nos: 2024_446-PL_001; 2024_446-PL_050 Rev 33; 2024_446-PL_053 Rev 33; 2024_446-PL_100 Rev 33; 2024_446-PL_110 Rev 33;…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site was a residential plot at a road junction, with rising land, mature vegetation, protected trees and limited public transport access.

“Site and Surroundings 3.2 The site consists of a rectangular plot, measuring approximately 1,700sqm and comprising a detached two-storey dwelling, sitting at the junction of Valley Road, Hawkhirst Road and Wildwood Court. The existing dwelling has a hipped roof, red brick and white render, with a detached derelict outbuilding in its southwestern corner. The land levels rise approximately 6m towards to the rear of the site.”

Officer report

Officers recommended approval

Officers considered the housing principle, design, accommodation, neighbours, highways, trees, flooding and ecology acceptable with conditions and a contribution.

“SUMMARY OF KEY REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION 4.1 Approval is recommended for the following reasons: • The principle of residential development within this location is acceptable • The unit mix is acceptable and 7 family-sized homes would be provided • The design and appearance of the development is appropriate for the site and the surrounding context • There would be no undue harm to the residential amenities of adjoining occupiers • The standard of accommodation for the…”

“Subject to the imposition of conditions and S106 financial obligation, the proposed development would not have an adverse impact on the operation of the highway • There would be no undue harm on protected trees or neighbouring trees • Subject to conditions, the proposed would not have an adverse impact on flooding • Sustainability aspects can be controlled by condition • Subject to conditions, the proposals would result in a net gain of biodiversity on site and would not…”

Officer report

Objections to the proposal

Forty-six representations objected, citing overdevelopment, character, privacy, parking, traffic, trees, wildlife, flooding, drainage and other concerns.

“Demolition of a Grade 3 listed property The property is not a statutory or locally listed building Insufficient outdoor space for the future residents Addressed in paragraphs 8.15-8.19 in the Quality of accommodation section of the report Neighbouring amenity Impact on local residents due to overlooking and loss of privacy Addressed in paragraphs 8.20-8.26 the Impact on neighbour amenity section of the report Noise and disturbance Parking and highways Insufficient on-site…”

“Chris Philp MP objected to the proposal for the following reasons: • Overdevelopment of the site • Out of character with the local context • Poor relationship between houses 6 & 7 • Overlooking and loss of privacy for neighbouring properties • Lack of on-site parking and overspill parking on surrounding roads • Unacceptable loss of trees • Loss of green space and harmful impact on wildlife…”

Officer report

Speakers at the meeting

The agent spoke in support, and the referring ward councillor also addressed the committee.

Members’ reasons for refusal

Members considered the development too intensive, out of character, too closely separated and lacking a legal agreement for sustainable transport contributions.

“The motion to grant the application was taken to a vote and fell with five members voting in favour, five members voting against and no abstentions. The chair used his casting vote against the motion.”

“Councillor Neal proposed a new motion to refuse the application on the basis that the development was over intensive within the use of the land, the scale of the development was out of character and that the separation distances were too small. Additionally, it was proposed to add a reason for refusal due to the lack of legal agreement to secure sustainable transport contributions. This was seconded by Councillor Johnson.”

Minutes

The votes

The approval motion failed on the chair’s casting vote, while the refusal motion passed with five votes for, four against and one abstention.

“The motion to refuse the application was taken to a vote and carried with five members voting in favour, four members voting against and one member abstaining.”

Minutes

The application was refused

The committee resolved to refuse the application.

“The Committee RESOLVED to REFUSE the application for Hampton, Hawkhirst Road, Kenley, CR8 5DL.”

Minutes