Minutes of Wadhurst Parish Council’s Planning Committee
Meeting held on Saturday 8 March 2008

Present : Cllrs. Bell, Berger (Chairman) Kent, Mamlok, Mrs A Monaghan, Standley, Ms H Whatmore. Cllr Mamlok left the meeting at 10:15
Also in attendance District Cllr G Wells
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The recommendations made at the planning meeting held on 23 February 2008 were ratified.
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WD/2008/0350/RM  Prendoran, George Street, Sparrows Green
2 No. two storey four bedroom detached houses and associated parking

We strongly object as the elevations are unsympathetic to, and out of keeping with the Victorian houses in George Street . The relationship of the massing with the adjoining properties is questionable there being no elevations of them for comparison but with a ridge height of 7.8 metres it could well be overbearing In addition it is considered that with a fall of some 2 metres across the site the ground level is not depicted accurately and the application should be resubmitted showing accurate ground levels

In view of its historic nature it was decided that the Parish Council should ask the District Council to consider designating George Street as being a Conservation Area

WD/2008/0437/F  White Lodge, Woods Green
Demolition of existing utility room and construction of single storey rear extension to provide replacement utility room and boot room

Proposals are acceptable

WD/2008/ 0500/F  Hazeldene, Newbury Lane, Cousley Wood
Conservatory to rear of property.

Proposals are acceptable

WD/2008/0378/F  Briar Cottage, Faircrouch Lane
Convert residential dwelling to residential college accommodation for 4 students and 3 co workers (plus 2 children) in order to extend provision for more independent living for students attending our  neighbouring special college for students aged 16 - 23

We support this application.

WD/2008/0182/F  Pilbeam Cottage, 1 St. James Square
Dormer window in rear roof to provide adequate headroom for the installation of a staircase.

We support this application, particularly as it will provide much needed modest accommodation

WD/2008/0435/F  Foxhole Oast, Foxhole Lane
Proposed garage and storage building for motor vehicles and garden machinery.

We have no objection to the garage element of the proposal but consider that investigation should be made as to the possibility of accommodating the machinery element in existing buildings on site, as the proposal as it stands is unduly dominant.

WD/2008/0463/F Blue Caps Oast Sleepers Stile Road.
Proposed addition of second roundel to form extension.
The applicants Mr & Mrs Cooper attended the meeting whilst this application was discussed

We support this application.

WD/2008/0128/FR  Leeland, Monks Lane
Continued use of land as a private gypsy caravan site for a single household

Cllr Berger declared a prejudicial interest and left the room at 09:45 and returned at 10:05

The Parish Council strongly objects to this application for the following reasons :-

1,  The application is development of the countryside within the AONB and therefore contrary to policy.
2.  The WPC feel there are no special circumstances that would allow permission for this application  including the fact that the applicant is not local. At the time of a previous application on the site in 1974 we understand the applicant was a freeholder resident of a dwelling in Paddock Wood.
3. We also understand that in discussions with WDC, on various planning matters, no mention has been made of any Gypsy connection the applicant is now claiming.
4. The applicant's intention is to breed and rear various categories of fowl which would have a detrimental affect on the amenities of the neighbouring properties.
5. Traffic generated by any commercial activity would be inappropriate given the narrowness of the local roads and the difficult access to the site..
6. The septic tank installed without permission and subject to enforcement by WDC planning and environment continues to be a hazard to the public health.
7. The high close boarded fence on the site has been erected without the necessary permission and is inappropriate on this AONB site.

The site is subject to enforcement action by WDC on a number of issues including those contained in the application.
The Parish Council is of the view that the application is against the planning policies of Wealden District Council and should be refused
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Planning Approval notices received from Wealden District Council

WD/2008/0018/F  Hollycroft, Balaclava Lane, Turners Green. Extension incorporating bath/shower room for use as bedsit by carer to look after owner’s husband. Erect conservatory .
WD/2008/0155/F  Pygmy Farm, Churchsettle Lane Replacement dwelling
WD/2007/3719/LB  Church House, Church Street. En suite bathroom

Planning Refusal notices received from Wealden District Council

WD/2007/3662/LB & 3663LB  Walland Oast, Brinkers Lane. New porch & bay window
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B S D Berger  Chairman    8 March 2008