Self-build three-bedroom home at 13 Spot Lane, Bearsted

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing an existing garage and shed to build a two-storey, three-bedroom end-of-terrace home with parking.

“The application involves demolition of the existing single storey garage and garden shed. The existing buildings will be replaced by a new two storey end of terrace three-bedroom property with associated parking.”

“The development has two car parking spaces on the hardstanding area to the front of the proposed dwelling. The parking spaces would utilise an new vehicular crossover and would each have a width of approximately 2.5 metres and depth of 5 metres.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The area is residential, with mainly traditional family homes and bungalows, varied building scales, designs and setbacks.

“To the north of the site is a single storey detached garage connected to the neighbouring property no.11 Spot Lane. This neighbouring garage is slightly taller than the garage on the application site. The side elevation of 11 Spot Lane is approximately 10 metres from the application site at its widest point.”

“The surrounding area is residential in character comprising mainly of traditionally built family occupied semi-detached properties and bungalows. There is some variety in terms of building scale and design with differing setbacks from the road.”

Officer report

Earlier permission

The current proposal was a resubmission of a permission granted in April 2024, which remained extant and was a strong material consideration.

“The current scheme is a resubmission of a previous scheme granted permission on 12.04.2024 under application reference number 23/505828/FULL. This previous permission is still extant. The previous planning permission is a strong material consideration in the assessment of the current application.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways raised no objection subject to conditions, and environmental protection officers also raised no objection.

“KCC Highways and Transport 5.01 No objection subject to conditions on • Construction Management Plan • Provision of visibility splay • Permanent retention of parking spaces…”

Officer report

Local concerns

A resident, the parish council and a councillor raised concerns about cramped development, garden space, light, outlook, shading, design and application history.

“1representation received objecting to the application for the following (summarised) reasons: • Cramped form of overdevelopment of the site • Substandard outdoor amenity space for future occupiers • The rear projection would block light to the neighbouring property. • Excessive rearward projection would result in loss of outlook for occupiers on neighbouring properties.”

Officer report

Who addressed the committee

A councillor from Bearsted Parish Council addressed the committee.

The decision

Permission was granted subject to the report’s conditions as amended by the urgent update report, with delegated powers for necessary changes.

“That permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report as amended by the urgent update report.”

“That the Head of Development Management be given delegated powers to be able to settle or amend any necessary planning conditions and/or informatives in line with the matters set out in the recommendation and as resolved by the Planning Committee.”

Minutes