34 apartments and gym at 2-12 Avebury Avenue, Tonbridge

What was proposed

The application proposed extending and changing the existing building into 34 apartments, with parking, a commercial unit and refurbishment of the gym.

“Alteration, extension and change of use of the existing building to a mixed use to comprise 34 no. apartments, with associated parking and refurbishment of existing gym (Revision of TM/19/00287/FL)”

“Description of Proposal: Planning permission is sought for alteration, extension and change of use of the existing building to a mixed use to comprise 34 no. apartments, with associated parking and refurbishment of existing gym at Number 2 to 14 Avebury Avenue, Tonbridge.”

Officer report

The site

The corner site contains a two-storey brick building and car park, amid mixed residential and commercial development near the town centre and conservation area.

“Part 1 Public 3.1 The application site comprises a two-storey flat roof brick building with a curved façade that mimics the layout of the road immediately adjacent. It is a corner plot bounded to one side by River Lawn Road and on the other side by Avebury Avenue. A small surface level car park is available on site, accessible via River Lawn Road.”

“On the opposite site of River Lawn Road, fronting Avebury Avenue, is a terrace of 3 storey properties with commercial units on the ground floor and residential above. Planning History (relevant): 23/00312/FL Approved - 11 April 2023 Proposed additional floor over existing commercial premises to form two bedroom duplex apartment…”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered apartments, a duplex, materials, drainage and other changes, while a 2017 application for apartments, a gym and commercial space was withdrawn.

“17/02820/FL Application Withdrawn - 08 December 2017 Alterations, extension and change of use of the existing building to a mixed use including 14 no. apartments, gym and commercial space 5. Consultees: Heritage Conservation Officer – “The current proposal would cause no harm to the significance of the designated area through change within the wider setting, and there is no objection in terms of TMBC Historic Environment Conservation Policies.” Local Highway…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would provide homes on previously developed land and its benefits would outweigh identified policy harms, subject to controls.

“This is a matter to which I attribute moderate negative weight in the overall planning balance. Weighed against this, the proposal would make effective use of previously developed land in a highly sustainable location for new homes.”

“Applying the tilted balance set out in paragraph 11(d) of the NPPF, I am satisfied that the benefits of the proposed development would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the identified harm arising from its failure to fully satisfy policy requirements relating to affordable housing, open space, and other contributions. On this basis, and on balance, it is recommended that planning permission be granted, subject to planning conditions and obligations. 7.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Consultees raised no objections subject to requirements, while written representations concerned scale, design, parking, traffic, flooding, infrastructure and land ownership.

“Kent Police – We recommend the applicant follows SBD guidance to address designing out crime to show a clear audit trail for Designing Out Crime, Crime Prevention and Community Safety and to meet our Local Authority statutory duties under Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 5.10 Written Representations (summarised as follows) – - Concerns raised relate to the scale and design of the proposals, including the disproportionate height and unsympathetic choice of…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent addressed the committee on behalf of the applicant.

What members debated

Members expressed concerns about scale, height, massing, townscape, visual amenity, affordable housing, infrastructure, services and parking standards.

“After careful consideration of the points raised by the speaker and the submitted details and conditions set out in the main and supplementary reports of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health, whilst concerns were expressed in respect of the scale, height and massing of the proposed development and the impact on the townscape and visual amenity of the area, the lack of affordable housing and other infrastructure and service provision arising directly…”

Minutes

The vote and decision

Councillor King proposed, Councillor Hoskins seconded, and the committee granted permission with the submitted details, conditions, informatives and section 106 agreement.

“It was proposed by Councillor King, seconded by Councillor Hoskins, and the Committee…”

“RESOLVED: That planning permission be GRANTED in accordance with the submitted details, conditions and reasons and informatives, including a section 106 agreement, as set out in both the main and the supplementary reports of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health.”

Minutes