WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE HELD ON Saturday
31 March 2007
Present: Cllrs Bell, Berger (Chairman) Kent, Pickering, Price, Standley,
Ms H Whatmore
Apologies for absence from Cllr. Mamlok and District Cllr. Mrs A Monaghan
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PLANNING APPLICATIONS CAN BE VIEWED here - but note the reference number before leaving this page!
WD/2007/0297/MAO Garages, access road and vacant land rear of 87/89
Queen’s Cottages, land rear of Holly Tree and Woodlea Old Station Road.
Demolition of 87 and 89 Queen’s Cottages and Council owned garages. Improvement
of existing access road. Construction of 3 x 3-bed affordable houses, 2 x 2-bed
semi-detached houses, 3 x 2-bed terraced houses, 2 x 3-bed detached houses,
and 1 x 4-bed detached house. Associated parking, visitor parking, crossovers
onto access road for 71 and 85 queen’s Cottages. Hardstanding provision for
65,67,73, and 75 Queen’s Cottages.
The following residents spoke, strongly objecting to the proposals :- Mr G Taylor, Myra Wood, Jessica Cook, all of Queen’s Cottages, together with Bob Atkinson, Tim Tonbridge, Malcolm Hedley and David Field of Old Station Road.
The Planning Committee was unanimous in strongly objecting to the scheme
for the following reasons :-
1. Despite the assurance given in the Transport Assessment that the
impact on Jonas Lane/Queen’s Cottages, and Bankside would be minimal with
no queuing or delays, residents were unconvinced that the additional traffic
would not cause a problem, particularly with emergency and refuse collection
vehicles.
2. Residents are concerned about the loss of 8 Council owned garages
as despite the Council’s assertion that they are difficult to let, the residents
claim that they are all in use and they would prefer to retain them rather
than resorting to the proposed parking spaces which they claim would result
in a net reduction in spaces.
3. Concern was expressed that although an Ecological Assessment had been
submitted, it was pointed out that the survey was carried out during the
winter i.e. 15/12/06 and that the Assessment itself recommended a further
survey later this year. It must be concluded therefore that at this stage
there is no guarantee that wild life would not be adversely affected.
4. It is considered that architecturally the proposed dwellings are generally
somewhat mediocre, particularly the 3 storey ones, and any development of
the site should take advantage of the opportunity to build a more distinguished
group, properly related to the topography.
WD/2007/0868/F Blue Caps Oast, Sleepers Stile Road, Cousley Wood.
Proposed addition of second roundel to form extension to Blue Caps Oast.
The
Committee listened to Mr & Mrs Cooper, the applicants’ justification
for the extension. It did not object in principle but there was concern by
some members regarding the “pastiche” treatment by the introduction of a
false roundel. A vote was taken for those in favour of a conventional roof,
with 4 for, 3 against, and 1 abstention
WD/2007/0700/F The Mount Camphill Community, Faircrouch Lane
Alteration and extension to co-workers flat.
No objection
WD/2007/0776/F 7 Walters Cottages
Single storey rear extension to form utility/cloak room to be constructed against
extension on adjacent property.
No objection
WD/2007/0726/F Shepherds Fold, Beech Hill,
Single storey entrance loggia (porch)
No objection.
WD/2007/0691/F 15 Ward Close
Movement of fencing and erection of garden shed
No objection.
WD/2007/0406/F Land at Rathronan, Mount Pleasant, Durgates
Erection of 1 dwelling house on land within the curtilage of Rathronan. Amended
plans- Reduction in roof height/bulk. Amended design and Access Statement
and supporting letter. Drawing Nos. 07 Ed.2 & 08 Ed.2 date stamped 23/3/07.
No objection.
WD/2007/0723/FR Wigram House, Mayfield Lane
Retrospective application for change of use of land to residential curtilage.
Cllr Standley withdrew at 10.50am.
Strongly object as once residential use is granted this could well lead
to a proliferation of domestic paraphernalia visible from the public highway,
and any future owner of the site may be tempted to treat it as a potential
building site.
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Planning Approval notices received from Wealden District Council
WD/2006/3530/F 30 Little Park Replacement of timber with
UPVC windows
WD/2007/0268/F Oak Apple Bungalow, Balaclava Lane. Kitchen
extension
WD/2007/0324/F Churchsettle, Churchsettle Lane. 3 bay garage
WD/2007/0183/F Little Stoke House, Best Beech Hill. Rear
balcony.
Planning Refusal Notices received from Wealden District Council
WD/2007/0228/F Cherry Tree Cottage, Fairglen Road. 1.65M
fence along roadside
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B S D Berger Chairman 1 April 2007