Fitness studio at Park Cottage, The Street, Boxley

“The submission is a retrospective application for the construction of a single storey fitness studio in the curtilage of Park Cottage. The building is circa 11 metres long and 5 metres wide. The building is circa 3 metres high with a flat roof. The building floor area is circa 55m2.”

“The application site is on the south east side of the junction of Forge Lane and ‘The Street’ in the countryside. The site comprises the residential garden of Park Cottage, a large, detached property with ancillary outbuildings and an expanse of hardstanding area to the rear.”

“The site is in and close to the edge of Boxley Conservation Area. Park Cottage is a two-storey detached dwelling in the Arts and Crafts style, featuring hanging vertical tiles and a distinctive bargeboard to the projecting gable roof. Park Cottage has been identified as a Non-Designated Heritage Asset (NDHA) and a positive building in the conservation area appraisal. 16”

“22/504603/FULL Erection of single storey side extension to existing garage, conversion of roof space to provide self-contained annexe ancillary to the main building including raising the roof height and 3 no. roof dormers to front elevation. Refused 30.11.2022”

“21/502574/FULL Erection of single storey side and creation of first floor rear extensions. Insertion of 2no. sun tunnels and 2no. rooflights. Approved 27.07.2021”

“The application site is in the countryside and the starting point for assessment of applications in the countryside is Local Plan Review policy LPRSP9. Policy LPRSP9 states that development proposals in the countryside will only be permitted where: a) there is no significant harm to local character and appearance, and b) they accord with other Local Plan policies.”

“It is concluded that the following material considerations and the low level of harm resulting from the application indicate that planning permission should be granted for this planning application. • No harm to the setting or heritage importance of the application building, or Boxley Conservation Area. • No significant adverse impact to neighbour amenity including noise or disturbance.”

“The starting point for assessment of all applications in the countryside is Local Plan Review policy LPRSP9. Policy LPRSP9 states that development proposals in the countryside will only be permitted where:”

“The key issues are: • Character and appearance • Heritage • Neighbour amenity • Highways and parking • Biodiversity net gain, ecology and sustainability…”

“That permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report.”

“That the Head of Planning and Economic Development 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.”