WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE HELD ON Saturday 13 October 2007
Present : Cllrs Bell, Berger (Chairman), Price, Standley, Ms H Whatmore
Apologies for absence from Cllrs. Mamlok, & Mrs A Monaghan
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PLANNING APPLICATIONS CAN BE VIEWED here - but note the reference number before leaving this page!
WD/2007/2823/O Land rear of 87 & 89 Queens Cottages, land rear
of Hollytree & Fernlea, Old Station Road, garages & vacant land
adjacent to 87 Queens Cottages.
Improvement of existing access road and demolition of existing garages. Construction
of 2 x 2 bed semi-detached houses, 4 x 3 bed semi-detached houses, 2 x 3 bed
affordable terraced houses, 1 x 3 bed shared ownership terraced house. Provision
of hard standing for 65, 67, 73, & 75 Queens Cottages. Provision of cross-overs
for 71 & 85 Queens Cottages. Retention of garage for 69 Queens Cottages.
Provision of one off-road parking space each for 87 & 89 Queens Cottages.
Cllr. Price arrived at 09:45. 20 local residents attended the meeting whilst this application was discussed, all of whom expressed strong objections to the proposal, in particular by Mr M Headley. The Planning Committee were again unanimous in supporting their objections which were summarised as follows :-
(1) Despite the assurance in the Transport Assessment that the impact
on Jonas Lane/Queens Cottages would be minimal, this is not borne out by
current experience. At present the parked cars in Jonas Lane present a real
traffic hazard with cars frequently having to reverse when meeting oncoming
vehicles. Obviously it is critical for emergency vehicles to have clear access
and only last April a fire appliance experienced this problem. It is suggested
that the District Council confirm this with the Fire Brigade.
(2) It is understood that some Council tenants would like to rent a garage.
(3) The MB supplementary safety audit comments still indicate concern
over refuse collection access etc.
(4) It is noted that new proposals for the protection of the oak tree
root system are now included in the application and may well be effective
initially but it is considered that the space under the suspended road construction
will eventually become silted up. Should the Council be minded, despite residents'
objections, to approve the proposals it is hoped that under no circumstances
would any lopping of the tree be permitted.
(5) Despite the repositioning of houses 8 and 9 it is clear that they
will still suffer from overshadowing by the oak tree.
(6) There is still extreme concern regarding the adequacy and position
of the number of parking spaces provided.
WD/2007/2955/F Orchard Cottage, Snape Lane
Replacement garage and associated landscaping.
No objection provided the existing garage is removed.
WD/2007/2947/F Mill House, Riseden Lane
Rear extension, single storey with balcony above.
The proposal does little to improve the house appearance but as it would no doubt be allowed on appeal we do not think there are sufficient grounds to object.
WD/2007/2975/F 22 Little Park.
Replace timber windows with PVCU windows.
No objection.
WD/2007/2571/F The Lodge, Buckland Hill, Cousley Wood.
Proposed detached single storey garage/workshop. Amended plan - Closure of
existing access. Drawing No. 01 Rev B date stamped 1.10.07.
As no drawings of the building were enclosed it is assumed that they would be the same as those submitted with the original application. Therefore our comments dated 15.09.07.still apply regarding its appearance. We are still concerned about the loss of hedgerow to provide sight lines for the new access and if the Council is minded to approve the proposal it should be subject to replanting with a native species beyond the sight lines
WD/2007/2664/F Reeds Farm, Riseden Road, Tidebrook.
Temporary mobile home for use in connection with agricultural holding.
Unless the reasons for the District Council's refusal and the subsequent appeal dismissal in 2000 are still pertinent we find it difficult to substantiate an objection in view of the supporting documentation by the agent.
WD/2007/2875/F Durgates Industrial Estate.
Retention of two 6.1M x 2.4M metal storage containers and change of use from
canteen to storage
No objection.
WD/2007/2731/FR Land adjoining Wigram House, Mayfield Lane.
Retrospective application for change of use from recreational to garden
to form part of the residential curtilage of Wigram House.
No objection However it would be appreciated if TPOs would be placed on
the frontage trees if they are not already protected
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Planning Approval documents received from Wealden District Council
WD/2007/2258/F Best Beech Place, Tidebrook Road. Demolition
of garage & glasshouse. Erection of garage & seperate outbuilding
WD/2007/2427/F 19 Deepdene, Conservatory.
WD/2007/2247/F Walland Oast, Brinkers Lane. Alterations
to ground & first floor & glazed enclosure of ground floor deck.
New entrance porch & bay window.
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B S D Berger Chairman 13 October 2007