MINUTES OF THE PLANNING & PRESERVATION COMMITTEE HELD ON 4TH JANUARY 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.
Cllr. Smith declared an interest regarding application 21/03914/FULL and would take part in the debate but would abstain from voting.
Present: Cllr. Smith (in the Chair), Cllrs. Bunyan, Fermor and Hatcher
Apologies: Cllrs. Gilbert and Kings
PLANNING APPLICATIONS:
Forge Farm Glassenbury Road Cranbrook Kent TN17 2QE
Installation of in-ground swimming pool
The Parish Council recommended refusal for the following reasons:
Proposed by Cllr. Smith, seconded by Cllr. Fermor and agreed.
21/04009/LBC
The Oast House Golford Gate Golford Cranbrook Kent TN17 3NX
Internal alterations to first floor to create en-suite bathroom and alter existing bathroom; Alterations within master bedroom to create vaulted ceiling; Existing dormer window within master bedroom to be replace with double glazing unit
The Parish Council recommended APPROVAL proposed by Cllr. Bunyan, seconded by Cllr. Fermor and agreed subject to the views of the Conservation Officer.
21/04079/FULL
The Old Nursery Hartley Road Cranbrook TN17 3QX
Proposed single storey rear side extension
The Parish Council recommended APPROVAL proposed by Cllr. Hatcher, seconded by Cllr. Bunyan and agreed. It was noted that there seems to be a void above cinema room with no details of how it is accessed.
21/04080/FULL
20 Goddards Close Cranbrook Kent TN17 3LJ
Proposed replacement of existing conservatory with single storey extension.
The Parish Council recommended APPROVAL proposed by Cllr. Smith, seconded by Cllr. Hatcher and agreed.
21/03914/FULL
St Georges Institute The Street Sissinghurst Cranbrook Kent TN17 2JQ
Demolition of the existing St George’s Institute building and erection of a new building providing community facilities, community parking spaces, improved access arrangements, 19 dwellings and associated landscaping and infrastructure.
Whilst the Parish Council are favourable towards the application there are too many details and questions that need to be answered in reference to the comments below. The Parish Council therefore recommended refusal for the following reasons:
- Consideration should be given to providing access to the rear of 1-4 Oliver Cottages for parking. An alternative could be parking permits within the development for 1-4 Oliver Cottages. The development as proposed displaces 2 cars who park in front of the garages, which are to be demolished, onto the highway.
- Housing mix is skewed too much towards the larger 3 bed houses. Further consideration should be given to smaller more ‘affordable’ units.
- Appearance could be more inspiring and in keeping with the local vernacular. The High Weald Design Guide could be referred to.
- The specific build materials are lacking on the plans for individual units.
- Car parking is a dominant feature of the development and needs to be less visible.
- Over development of site. A reduction of the number of units would be desirable.
- Given the proximity of units 18 and 19 to boundary and neighbouring properties, more consideration should be given to minimising height and overlooking. These should be true 2 bed properties given the size of the study.
- Cycle storage for the dwellings and village hall has not been detailed.
- Energy efficiency could be improved.
- The spine road should be adopted.
- Any lighting within the site should be low level bollards where appropriate.
- The Public Right of Way to the south of the development is prone to flooding/ponding. Run-off from the site to be prevented.
- Some reflection of the original St. George’s Institute needs to be incorporated in the new hall. For example, green corrugated material above the hall entrance & possible on the first floor brickwork facing the field.
- The Parish Council like the general appearance, layout & design of the new hall and are aware that the precise internal layout of the hall may alter slightly subject to St. George’s Institute Management Committee’s requirements. For example, the door to the male toilets & outward opening foyer doors.
- Disabled/drop off area to the North East front of the hall required if possible.
Proposed by Cllr. Hatcher, seconded by Cllr. Fermor and agreed. Cllr. Smith abstained from voting.
TWBC PLANNING DECISIONS:
The Clerk read out the decisions received from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
The Clerk agreed to forward the relevant section on planning from the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Agreement for information