WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE HELD ON Saturday  29 September  2007
Present : Cllrs Bell, Berger (Chairman), Kent, Mamlok, Mrs A Monaghan , Ms H Whatmore
Apologies for absence from Cllr Standley
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PLANNING APPLICATIONS CAN BE VIEWED here - but note the reference number before leaving this page!

WD/2007/2607/F  Tiffins, Mayfield Lane
Alterations to an existing access.
We have some concern that the visibility splays may not be adequate, otherwise we have no objection. It is also hoped that the drive will be constructed with a permeable surface in accordance with the advice given in the draft Wealden Design Guide.

WD/2007/2631/F  Old stables and coach house, Faircrouch Green, Station Road
Conversion of derelict stable and coach house into a traditional blacksmith’s forge. Temporary change of use from agricultural to B2 industrial required for a period of 5 years.
No objection in principle but are concerned about traffic issues especially parking for delivery and other vehicles . The lay-by referred to in the Design and access statement is not coloured red on the block plan as being part of the application site. It is hoped that any approval would be subject to the formation of a permeable finish to the drive referred to in the above statement

WD/2007/2575/FE  Sacred Heart School, Mayfield Lane
Temporary classroom- renewal of temporary planning permission WD/2005/2254/FE
Cllr Bell withdrew at 10.15am and returned at 10.20am
No objection

WD/2007/2836/F  8 Gloucester Road, Sparrows Green.
Rear dormer window.
Although the proposed dormer does nothing to enhance the building, in view of the unfortunate number of dormer precedents locally it would appear that we have no grounds to object. However it is pointed out that the existing staircase access to bedroom 3 does not comply with the Building Regulations in that it is not contained and constitutes a fire hazard.

WD/2007/2763/F  2 Voakley Cottages,
Erection of 2 storey side extension with single storey rear extension.
We object on the grounds that the proposal conflicts with the Non Statutory Wealden Local Plan policy DC17 particularly the cumulative impact of the extensions

WD/2007/2765/F  Pook Cottage, Whitegates Lane
Erection of single storey rear extension.
No objection

WD/2007/2691/FA  Wadhurst Castle.
Variation of conditions 1 and 2 attached to WD/2006/2704/FA to remove reference to the limited trial period and allow the use to continue on a permanent basis.
No objection.

WD/2007/2324/FR  Woodland at Rhoden, Buckland Hill, Cousley Wood.
Landscape and biodiversity scheme for woodland at Rhoden to mitigate effects of woodland clearance already undertaken.
No objection

WD/2007/2831/F  3 Walters Cottage, Lower High Street.
Two storey side extension and porch.
We strongly object that although there may be unfortunate precedents referred to by the agent, the proposal is excessively large, being over 125% increase in area to provide virtually a 5 bedroom dwelling. It also conflicts with the draft Wealden Design Guide in that the extension is not set back a minimum of 1.5M from the front and the width is well over 100% of the existing compared with the advice given in the Guide for 1/3 to ½ of the existing. In addition the rhythm of the street scene is again broken. It is also noted that the second floor staircase would not comply with the Building Regulations in that it is not contained and would constitute a fire hazard.

Finally, we feel that it is incumbent upon us to point out that if the application is approved yet another relatively modest dwelling would be lost to the village which is in urgent need of such accommodation.
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Received from Wealden District Council

Notice of Appeal by Peliken Developments Ltd.
Site : Access garages and vacant land adj to and rear of 87 Queens Cottages, land rear of 87 and 89 Queens Cottages and rear of Holly Tree and Woodlea, Old Station Road.
Proposal : Improvement of existing access road, demolition of existing garages, construction of 2 x 2 bed semi-detached houses, 2 x 3 bed semi-detached houses, 1 x 3 bed semi-detached house, 1 x 2 bed semi-detached house, 2 x 3 bed affordable terrace houses, 1 x 3 shared ownership terraced house, provision of hard standing for
65, 67, 73, and 75 Queens Cottages. Provision of cross-overs for 71 and 85 Queens Cottages, retention of garage to 69 Queens Cottages
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B S D Berger Chairman   29 September 2007