WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE HELD ON Saturday  28 July 2007
Present : Cllrs , Berger (Chairman), Kent, Mamlok, Mrs A Monaghan, Phipson, Ms H Whatmore
Apologies for absence from Cllrs. Bell & Standley
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PLANNING APPLICATIONS CAN BE VIEWED here - but note the reference number before leaving this page!

WD/2007/1953/LB & 1704/F  4 Mount Pleasant Cottage, Lower High Street
Installation of 2 solar thermal collectors on the south facing side roof

In the absence of a roof plan it is unclear from the description whether the thermal collectors would be visible from the road. If they are we would strongly object. The fact that the drawings also indicate 3 different vertical dimensions is also unhelpful..

WD/2007/1769/F  Manor Cottage, Faircrouch Lane
To extend and alter the existing dwelling house and to extend the access drive to the southern elevation. Amended plan- red edging altered to north east boundary. Drg. No.013-2A date stamped 17 July 2007.

No objection to house extension but the neighbours, Mr & Mrs Kent of Ravendale Cottage point out that with the topography of the site they would be subjected to the glare of vehicle headlights as they drove up to the turning space. Therefore any approval should be subject to some form of suitable screening.

WD/2007/1883/F  Hook Farm Cottage, Bewl Bridge Lane
Two storey rear extension with chimney stack and front porch.

Strongly object for the same reasons stated in our comments dated 17.02.07. Although we note that the Kentish Ragstone has been omitted

WD/2007/1986/F  Owlers,Cousley Wood
Single storey annexe to the rear of Owlers on the site of and within the plan size of an existing building to be demolished .

No objection.

WD/2007/3344/F  Lodge Hill Farm, Coombe Lane
Demolish dilapidated pole barn and reduced size barn and replace with new, on new foundations reverting to the original size

Strongly object as the proposal is alien to, and utterly out of character with its “aircraft hanger” appearance in ,this AONB in the countryside

WD/2007/1805/F  Plantbase, Sleepers Stile Road.
Occasional sales of plants grown on site to visitors to site.

No objection subject to Highways Authority approval.

WD/2007/2076/F  Grain store, Sparrows Green.
Conversion of an existing two storey building to a 2-bed dwelling with a room in the roof

No objection in principle but it is not clear how access to the building is to be gained as the drawings indicate that it is outside the application site and there is no reference to any right of way over it, and the owner of the adjoining takeaway shop informs us that the area is in constant use in connection with his business. It is also understood that there is some concern by neighbours regarding overlooking of their properties in George Street from the proposed balcony.

WD/2007/2197/F  Pygmy Farm, Churchsettle Lane
Erection of a replacement dwelling.

It is noted that the original building was granted a conditional  Lawful Development Certificate on 9.01.07.

We strongly object to the proposed replacement dwelling as it conflicts with the requirements of local plan policy DC18 (1) & (3) in that firstly it is not in the same position on the site and is considerably larger than the original building. Secondly, there is no supporting documentation to indicate that income from the farming activities would be sufficient to service the new dwelling.

It is understood that the access road to the west of the site is a private road and therefore should be indicated as being within the site curtilage. Finally, it is noted that the rear elevation does not accord with the plan in that the full height window should be to the righr of the double doors and not to the left as shown

WD/2007/2108/F  8 Fairview Cottages, Balaclava Lane
Part single and part two storey extension to side elevation. Form new party wall to form two self contained three storey dwellings.

No objection

WD/2007/1983/LDE  Foxhole Farm Oast, Foxhole Lane
To prove land used as garden in excess of 10 years. Construction of a tennis court and store shed in excess of 4 years.

We regret that we are unable to verify or dispute the alleged use of the above land.
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Planning Approval notices received from Wealden District Council

WD/2007/0848/F  Weald Hall Lodge, Mayfield Lane.  Addition of fire exit doors
WD/2007/1535/F  Long Meadows, Tidebrook. Replacement detached garage.
WD/2007/1397/F  4 Beechlands Cottages, Best Beech. Side & rear extensions. New dormer. New vehicular access
WD/2007/1013/F  The Dens, Churchsettle Lane  3 garage bays. 2 bedrooms & bathroom over
WD/2007/1290/F  Huntsmoor, Buckland Hill, Cousley Wood. Replacement dwelling
WD/2007/0406/F  Land at Rathronan, Mount Pleasant, Durgates. One dwelling house.
WD/2007/0954/F  Bramall, Faircrouch Lane.  Log store
WD/2007/1137/FR  Unit L, Durgates Industrial Estate. Continued use for storage & distribution
WD/2007/1030/F  14 Jonas Drive. Two storey side extension
WD/2007/1462/F  Lodge Hill Oast, Coombe Lane. Bay window extension
WD/2007/1041/AI 1 Sparrows green Road. 1 x non illuminated directional sign
WD/2007/1182/F  Newlands Farm, Dewhurst Lane. Demolition of dwelling & farm buildings & erection of replacement dwelling & garage. Change of use of paddocks to residential curtilage & change of use of residential curtilage to agricultural land
WD/2007/1168/FR  Limber Cottage, Beech Hill. 2 metre high close boarded timber fence

Planning Refusal notices received from Wealden District Council

WD/2007/1103/F Horsegrove, Osmers hill.  Replacement of garages & stores
WD/2007/1154/F Lodge Hill Oast, Coombe lane.  Extension of garage for ancillary use

Stop Notice received from Wealden District Council
To Mr Walter Harris, Leeland, Monks Lane, Cousley Wood
Breach of Planning Control alleged :-
Without planning permission, change of use of the land to  use for the stationing of a mobile home for residential purposes at the above.

The White Hart, High Street
The new landlord of The White hart, Mr Morris attended the meeting to discuss his proposals for a canopy for smokers in the forecourt, together with a picket fence round the forecourt. He was advised to discuss the proposals with WDC planning department as well as the Environmental Health department in connection with the new anti smoking law and given leaflets on the latter.
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B S D Berger Chairman  30 July 2007