One detached dwelling at 1 Hill Crest, Sevenoaks

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing a garage and building a detached two-storey home with parking, storage, landscaping and a boundary fence.

“- 25/03101/FUL Revised expiry date 23 February 2026 Proposal: Demolition of garage. Erection of 1x detached dwelling with rooflight. Bin and cycle stores. Associated parking and landscaping including new boundary fence.”

“Description of site 1 The application site comprises a modest bungalow which sits in a relatively large plot. The site benefits from large front and rear gardens as well as a detached garage structure. 2 Additionally, the application site falls within the urban confines of Sevenoaks and the Sevenoaks Residential Character Area. Description of proposal 3 This application seeks planning permission to demolish the existing garage and subdivide the plot.”

Officer report

The site

The site contained a bungalow, large front and rear gardens and a detached garage within Sevenoaks’ urban area and residential character area.

“Constraints 11 The following constraints apply: • Urban Confines (Sevenoaks) • Sevenoaks Residential Character Area (C01)”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The town council recommended refusal, while the tree officer and environmental health raised no objections subject to conditions.

“Consultations 12 Sevenoaks Town Council recommends refusal on the following grounds: • Overdevelopment of the site; • Impact upon amenities of 1 and 1A; • Non-compliance with Residential Character Area Assessment…”

“13 SDC Tree Officer – No objections raised, recommend landscaping condition 14 SDC Environmental Health – No objection raised, recommend construction management plan condition 15 KCC Highways – No comment 16 Southern Water – Site not under control of Southern Water 17 South East Water - No comment received. 18 KCC Archaeology - No comment received. 19 SDC Planning Policy -No comment received.”

Officer report

Objections received

Two objections said the proposed density conflicted with the area and would cause overlooking or loss of privacy.

“20 Thames Water- No comment received. Representations 21 2 representations objecting to the proposal have been received. The representations raise the following issues: • The density is at odds with the area; • Overlooking/loss of privacy…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from a speaker against the application and a parish representative speaking for it.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed the development’s size and location, but considered infilling appropriate, the materials suitable and the scheme well planned.

“Members asked questions of clarification of the officers, and it was explained that additional details of the materials to be used could be requested however changes would be restricted and no large-scale design changes could be requested. It was further clarified that there was an existing degree of overlooking due to the urban location.”

“Members discussed the report. Concerns had been expressed due to the size and location of the development however it was considered that infilling was encouraged and although the plot was smaller than others. The proposed materials were similar in appearance to those used on other properties in the road and Members commented they believed the development to be well planned.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee voted to grant planning permission subject to conditions, including landscaping, privacy protection and four parking spaces.

“6) Prior to the first occupation of the dwelling hereby approved, a detailed landscaping scheme shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The landscaping scheme shall include details of any proposed planting (including species specification), retained planting, and details of materials for any hard landscaping.”

“8) The four parking spaces as shown on approved plan number SA2501-01 shall be provided prior to the occupation of the dwelling and retained for vehicle parking thereafter regardless of the provisions made under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) (or any Order revoking or re-enacting or amending those Orders with or without modification).”

Minutes