Hotel and 39 flats at 52 - 62 West Hill, Dartford

“(3) The site is immediately opposite (but outside) the western end of the Dartford Conservation Area (which encompasses much of the town centre and extends east as far as 62, East Hill (just before Livingstone Hospital).”

“(9) On the northern side of West Hill, facing the site, there are the West Hill Care Home and (predominantly four storey but with three and five-storey elements, and which turns the corner into King Edward Road), 37 West Hill (former Police Station as mentioned above), the dwellings at 37A West Hill (in a three-storey building) and - immediately behind 37 West Hill - 27 to 34 Constance Grove, which is 2.5 storeys and backs on to West Hill.”

“(33) The site has no recent planning history and the limited history that there is relates to the use of individual buildings on site or to modest building works on the site and none of it is directly relevant to the current application given that all of the existing buildings are to be demolished to allow for the proposed comprehensive re-development of the site.”

“(225) I therefore recommend that - subject to conditions as set out below, and to KCC Highways and Transportation and the Health and Safety Executive both raising no objection - planning permission be granted.”

“Planning permission be granted for the reasons set out in the report subject to no objection raised by KCC Highways and Transportation and the Health and Safety Executive and subject to the following conditions with delegated authority being given to the Development Manager to make minor wording changes for clarity, and to add any conditions requested by KCC Highways and Transportation and the Health and Safety Executive.”

“- The regeneration of a site that currently has a negative visual appearance and replacing it with one that will enhance the street-scene (with the introduction of soft landscaping - trees and shrubs - and a linear area of open space, including seating, along the western side of the hotel and connecting to the residential block - and shown on the 'Landscape Masterplan Strategy' drawing); - The creation of 30 jobs for the operation of the hotel; - Creation of jobs during the…”

“(223) I have identified some harms brought about by this development - the harm to the significance of the listed buildings as set out above, the provision of a main town centre use in an edge-of-centre, rather than Town Centre location and the under-provision of car parking compared to the SPD requirement. However, this is an identified site for housing and forms part of Dartford's housing land supply.”

“- Residential visitor parking should ideally be included in the parking provision; - The level of hotel parking is incorrectly stated in the Transport Assessment. - The Car Parking Management Plan should be required by condition; - Comments are also made with respect to cycle parking, sustainable transport, safety, the draft Travel Plan and the potential inclusion of provisions for the Car Club; and - Should planning permission be granted, a total of 10 planning conditions…”

“- Are opposed to the proposed development; - Reference is made to the Local Plan in raising concerns with respect to parking, traffic, heritage and design issues; - Reference to Policy S1 (Borough Spatial Strategy) and M2 (Environment and Amenity Protection), noting high traffic flows on M25 and A2 and lack of resilience causing severe congestion issues for Dartford town and beyond; - Policy M2 includes reference to need for development to accommodate traffic and parking…”

“Councillor Ozog left the room and took no part in debate or voting for this item.”

“To grant planning permission for the reasons set out in the report as amended by the update report.”