One dwelling at Killaloe, Knockholt Road, Halstead

What was proposed

The application sought permission in principle for one dwelling and associated ancillary works.

“- 25/03232/PIP Revised expiry date 20 th of February 2026 Proposal: Erection of dwellings with a minimum of 1 or maximum of 1 net dwellings and associated ancillary works. Location: Killaloe, Knockholt Road, Halstead, Kent, TN14 7ES Ward(s): Halstead, Knockholt & Badgers Mount Item for decision The application has been referred by Councillor Grint to Development Management Committee on the following grounds: - Overdevelopment of the site - Loss of greenery and impact on…”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site contains a bungalow, rear garden and detached garage within Halstead’s built confines, surrounded by residential properties.

“Alternatively, KCC Highways and Transportation may be contacted by telephone: 03000 418181. 2) When considering the submission for the technical details consent, note that a single storey dwelling is considered to be the most appropriate scale for a dwelling on this site. Description of site 1 The site consists of a detached bungalow with a sizeable rear garden which lies east of Knockholt Road.”

Officer report

The officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended permission in principle because the location, residential use and amount of development were acceptable.

“20 The current proposal relates to the first stage and therefore only the principle of the proposal in respect of its location, land use and amount of development can be considered. Issues relevant to these ‘in principle’ matters can be considered at this stage. Any other matters can only be considered at the technical details consent stage.”

“52 As such, the impact on neighbouring amenity would be subject to more detailed site layouts at technical details stage. Land use 53 The proposed land use is for residential purposes which could be compatible with the existing residential development in the area. The site is a residential garden associated with the existing dwelling. Establishing a separate residential use on a residential site would not be unacceptable in principle.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council objected on several grounds, highways raised no objection, and environmental health had no objection subject to a construction condition.

“LO1 Distribution of Development • LO7 Development in Rural Settlements • SP1 Design of New Development and Conservation • SP11 Biodiversity 7 Allocations and Development Management (ADMP) • EN1 Design Principles Constraints 8 The following constraints apply: Urban Confine - Halstead Consultation Response 9 Halstead Parish Council - • 1 st Comment – it should be ensured that there is sufficient access width for construction and other large vehicles…”

“The car parking and cycle parking provision for the site should follow the latest Kent Parking Standards 12 Environmental Health – No objections subject to CEMP condition 13 Southern Water– Not in area 14 Lead Local Flood Authority – No comment, standard guidance 15 South East Water – No comment received 16 Thames Water - No comment received Representations 17 We have received 7 objection to the application which raised the following concerns: • Insufficient space for…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from a speaker against the application, a speaker for it, a parish representative and a local member.

The committee’s discussion

Members discussed the driveway, property size, access and density, while noting that similar infill had occurred and the proposal followed government guidance.

“The proposal was deemed appropriate for the density and was policy compliant. Members were reminded that emergency access to the property via the driveway was not a planning concern and was governed by Building Regulations. Access would be available from the roadside to the property. Highways had been considered as part of the application however the layout, splays and parking would be reserved for the technical phase of the application.”

“Members discussed the report. Concerns were raised with regard to access to the property and density however, it was noted that similar infilling had taken place in the road previously. Members agreed that the proposal was within government guidance.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee agreed the recommendation and granted permission in principle.

“It was moved by the Chairman that the recommendations within the report, be agreed.”

“Resolved: That Permission in Principle be granted.”

Minutes