CRANBROOK & SISSINGHURST PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING & PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
HELD ON 5TH APRIL 2022
Declaration of Interests, Dispensations and Predetermination:
Members are required to declare any interests, dispensations or predetermination on items on this agenda. Members are reminded that changes to the Register of Interests should be notified to the Clerk.
Present: Cllr. Bunyan (Chairman) and Cllrs. Hatcher and Fletcher
Apologies: Cllrs. Fermor, Kings and Gilbert
PLANNING APPLICATIONS:
22/00641/FULL
Hartley Farmhouse, Plot Adjacent, Hartley Road, Cranbrook, TN17 3QG
Erection of a pair of semi-detached three bedroom homes with associated private amenity space and garages.
The Parish Council recommended APPROVAL proposed by Cllr. Bunyan, seconded by Cllr. Hatcher and agreed. It was noted that no garages were included on the plans agreed.
22/00443/ADV – Revised details
Turnden, Hartley Road, Cranbrook, TN17 3QX
Advertisement Consent: Hoarding to be erected to the site entrance
The Parish Council recommended REFUSAL for the following reasons:
- Neighbours have not been consulted
- Five years is unacceptable time and Parish Council would prefer eighteen month time limit
- Remove up lighting as it is not necessary
- Hoardings are overbearing and out of character with surrounding area
- If hoardings are erected – care should be taken not to damage any trees/hedging.
Proposed by Cllr. Hatcher, seconded by Cllr. Fletcher and agreed.
TREE APPLICATION:
22/00689/TPO
The Pest House, Frythe Walk, Cranbrook, TN17 3BD
After recent storm, the Scots Pine (011/2009 and 0003/2018/TPO T4) now has a significant lean towards the Grade II listed house. The house is within the area that would be impacted when the tree falls. The tree should be felled to avoid damage to the house.
The Parish Council recommended APPROVAL proposed by Cllr. Bunyan, seconded by Cllr. Hatcher and agreed.
PLANNING APPEALS:
21/00519/FULL
Land Off Angley Road Cranbrook
Proposed development of 35 residential units with associated garaging and parking infrastructure including off site highway improvement works and a replacement pre-school children’s daycare nursery facility with associated car parking.
The Parish Council agreed to add further comments as detailed below:
- Concern regarding height of 3 Storey buildings and impact on rural area particularly from Waterloo Road.
- Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council’s Eco Statement: In order to help combat climate change and reduce CO2 emissions and in light of the high and ever increasing cost of heating, be it by using gas, electricity or oil, Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council is disappointed that developers are not prepared/being encouraged/being required to apply the PASSIVHAUS approach to the build quality of their product. Fabric first, high levels of insulation and airtightness* mean the home needs minimal heating. This should apply to all housing including importantly the social housing sector. We live in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with hundreds of listed building and much of the area is within one of our three Conservation Areas. It is important that developments should look attractive and be in keeping with the local scene on the outside but equally, if not even more important, that they promote healthy, happy, sustainable and AFFORDABLE living within. *PASSIVHAUS airtightness specification is .6 or less air changes per hour whereas Building Regulations is 10.00!!
21/03816/FULL
Land Adjacent to Wilsley Farm Angley Road Cranbrook
Erection of 20 No. residential dwellings with associated car parking, landscaping, sustainable urban drainage system and associated infrastructure, earthworks and new vehicular access from Angley Road (see linked appeal 21/02655/FULL).
21/02655/FULL
Land Adjacent to Wilsley Farm Angley Road Cranbrook
Erection of 16 No. residential dwellings with associated car parking, landscaping, sustainable urban drainage system and associated infrastructure and earthworks and new vehicular access from Angley Road (see linked appeal 20/03816/FULL).
The Parish Council agreed to add further comments to the above two appeals as detailed below:
- There is no longer a non-selective secondary school in Cranbrook and children will now need to be transported to school.
- The Parish Council noted that the proposed development for Hawkhurst Golf Club has been dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate due to access on to A229 particularly due to the effect of congestion and air quality – this would also apply to Land off Angley road.
- Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council’s Eco Statement: In order to help combat climate change and reduce CO2 emissions and in light of the high and ever increasing cost of heating, be it by using gas, electricity or oil, Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council is disappointed that developers are not prepared/being encouraged/being required to apply the PASSIVHAUS approach to the build quality of their product. Fabric first, high levels of insulation and airtightness* mean the home needs minimal heating. This should apply to all housing including importantly the social housing sector. We live in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with hundreds of listed building and much of the area is within one of our three Conservation Areas. It is important that developments should look attractive and be in keeping with the local scene on the outside but equally, if not even more important, that they promote healthy, happy, sustainable and AFFORDABLE living within. PASSIVHAUS airtightness specification is .6 or less air changes per hour whereas Building Regulations is 10.00!!
TWBC PLANNING DECISIONS:
The Clerk read out the decisions received from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Cllr. Hatcher commented that the Planning Inspectorate had forwarded his report to the Secretary of State regarding the land adjoining Turnden for 165 new dwellings and a decision will be announced on or before the 4th July 2022.
Cllr. Hatcher reported that Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan is still being examined by the Planning Inspectorate.
Cllr. Bunyan informed the Committee that she had agreed to meet with Mr. Hicken from DHA Associates who had bought part of the former Cranbrook Golf Club on 13th April at 10am at the Parish Council Office. Cllr. Hatcher also agreed to attend this pre application meeting.
