Roof improvements and solar panels at The Hive, Northfleet, Gravesend

The site

The Hive is an existing residential building with commercial space below, in an urban area that is predominantly residential.

“The application site is The Hive, Northfleet which is located within Northfleet, in the Borough’s urban area and in a predominantly residential area. The building is an existing residential building with commercial below.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier application for balcony and walkway works was granted permission in 1995.

“Overclad of existing balustrade and renewal of tiles to balconies and pedestrian walkways. Permission 12.10.1995”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

The works were considered limited and largely contained within the roof, with no harmful effect on appearance, living conditions, neighbours, parking or highways.

“The proposed works are minimal in their context and contained within the roof area of the building, and therefore not highly visible from public vantage points.”

“The proposed works will not have an effect on parking and highways due to their limited nature and would be in line with Policy CS11 of the Gravesham Local Plan Core Strategy (September 2014).”

Officer report

Public response

The application was publicised through a site notice and letters to 68 neighbouring properties, but no comments were received.

“The application was publicised by a site notice and letters to 68 surrounding neighbouring properties with an overall consultation expiry date of 19th June 2025.”

Officer report

Officer explanation

The Team Leader said the changes would improve energy efficiency and that solar panels would create more green energy for the building.

Members’ discussion

Members considered the improvements beneficial and discussed whether solar panels could help communal lighting and reduce residents’ service charges.

“The Chair invited Member comments and questions:”

“Members felt the improvements would be beneficial and a positive change. It was queried whether the residents would benefit for the addition of solar panels. The Team Leader explained this was not something that the Planners were able to pass comment on but advised that this could be confirmed via the housing/property team, outside of the meeting.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted permission subject to the conditions and delegated authority to the Head of Planning for changes to those conditions.

“RESOLVED that the application be granted PERMISSION subject to the conditions set out in the report and to DELEGATE authority to the Head of Planning to make any necessary modifications, deletion or addition to the proposed conditions.”

Minutes