CRANBROOK & SISSINGHURST PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE PLANNING & PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
HELD ON 16TH MARCH 2021
The meeting was held remotely using Zoom software.
Declaration of Interests, Dispensations, Predetermination or Lobbying:
Members are required to declare any interests, dispensations, predetermination or lobbying on items on this agenda. Members are reminded that changes to the Register of Interests should be notified to the Clerk.
Cllr. Smith and Cllr. Fletcher declared they had been lobbied regarding application 21/00519 Land Off Angley Road.
Present: Cllr. Smith (in the Chair), Cllrs. Bunyan, Fermor, Fletcher, Gilbert, Kings, Hatcher and Beck
PLANNING APPLICATIONS:
21/00149/FULL
1 Waterloo Place Waterloo Road Cranbrook Kent TN17 3JH
Insertion of bi-fold doors to the east elevation; internal alterations affecting kitchen, breakfast and dining room; replacing slipped and damaged slates to north and east elevations
The Parish Council recommended APPROVAL subject to the views of the Conservation Officer.
Proposed by Cllr. Gilbert, seconded by Cllr. Smith and agreed.
21/00429/FULL
Merrydown Rope Walk Cranbrook TN17 3DZ
Proposed extension above existing garage, proposed single storey rear extension and demolition of existing conservatory with internal alterations.
The Parish Council recommended APPROVAL.
Proposed by Cllr. Hatcher, seconded by Cllr. Gilbert and agreed.
20/03851/FULL
Branden Cottage Biddenden Road Sissinghurst Cranbrook Kent TN17 2AB
Proposed replacement dwelling with landscape and biodiversity enhancements.
The Parish Council remained NEUTRAL.
Proposed by Cllr. Bunyan, seconded by Cllr. Fermor and agreed.
Note: Planning Committee were not sure why the applicant needed to demolish existing building, when it could be easily extended as it is in exceptionally good condition.
21/00482/FULL
Glen Cove The Common Sissinghurst Cranbrook Kent TN17 2AJ
Replace the existing dwelling with a 3 bed dwelling with associated parking and landscaping.
The Parish Council recommended APPROVAL.
Proposed by Cllr. Kings, seconded by Cllr. Bunyan and agreed.
21/00507/FULL
16 Wheatfield Lea Cranbrook Kent TN17 3ND
Demolition of garage and erection of two storey side and rear extension and front porch
The Parish Council recommended APPROVAL.
Proposed by Cllr. Smith, seconded by Cllr. Kings and agreed.
21/00519/FULL
Land Off Angley Road Cranbrook Kent
Proposed development of 35 residential units with associated garaging and parking and infrastructure including off Site highway improvement works and a replacement pre-school children’s daycare nursery facility with associated car parking.
The Parish Council recommended REFUSAL proposed by Cllr. Smith seconded by Cllr. Kings and agreed. Reasons for refusal:
- Highway Safety – The access proposed is dangerous and onto the very busy Angley Road, almost opposite the entrance to the Rugby Club.
- Drainage and Flooding Concern – The water management for the proposed site needs to be investigated thoroughly and a drainage strategy put in place before any planning proposal is considered. The surface water from Angley Road, Quaker Lane, The Longfield and Cranbrook Primary School, runs down hill and the water flows under Stone Street to join the River Crane under the Tanyard Car Park. During heavy periods of rain, the culvert in the allotments has to be monitored daily and flooding has taken place. There is also a danger of flooding in Rope Walk and during heavy rains, a tanker has been deployed on standby in Rope Walk to remove excess water should it be required. The existing waterways in the town cannot cope with an increased volume of water from the proposed development without some risk of flooding.
- The site is adjacent to the Wilsley Green Conservation Area.
- It is within the AONB and is a very visible gateway into the historic town of Cranbrook, which will be blighted by this development.
- This is an important green space and amenity space, as identified in the emerging Neighbourhood Development Plan.
- Outside Limits to Build Development.
- No attempt has been made to liaise with local residents or the Neighbourhood Development Plan Steering Group.
- In the Design & Access Statement it refers to the land being allocated in the TWBC Draft Local Plan which is no longer the case.
- Concern expressed regarding the proposed flats overlooking the new nursery school in terms of child safety
- It is believed that part of the site is on historical Quaker burial ground.
Members expressed support of the comments submitted by the Parish Warden, in respect of increased flooding risk, which have been incorporated into the reasons stated for refusal.
20/03871/LBC
Cornhall House, High Street, Cranbrook, Kent. TN17 3DT
Listed Building Consent: Removal of modern ceiling and joists, removal of modern stud and brick walls; New damp proofing installed; New structural timbers fitted to replace historical timbers, previously removed by others; Installation of insulation and plasterboard to all ceilings and walls; Installation of 2 conservation rooflights to the south elevation and removal of existing rooflight (works commenced).
The Parish Council recommended APPROVAL, subject to the views of the Conservation Officer.
Proposed by Cllr. Fermor, seconded by Cllr. Hatcher and agreed.
REVISED APPLICATIONS:
20/01622/FULL
4 West Terrace, High Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3LG
Erection of 2 semi detached 3 bedroom dwellings and one detached four bedroom dwelling.
The Parish Council recommended REFUSAL for the following reasons:
- The proposed access track is the prime pedestrian and cycle route for the proposed Brick Kiln Farm large development site.
- Over-intensive use of site
TREES: Nothing to report.
TWBC PLANNING DECISIONS:
The Deputy Clerk read out the planning decisions.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION:
- Cllr. Fletcher informed the meeting that an invitation has been extended to Hill, developers who are the new owners of the Brick Kiln Farm Site to meet with the Parish Council and NDP.
- Tunbridge Wells Borough Council will be arranging Planning Training for all Parish Councillors in the near future. Details would be forwarded once this had been finalised.
