Minutes of Wadhurst Parish Council’s Planning Committee
Meeting held at Carillon Cottage on Saturday 31 May 2008
Present : Cllrs. Bell, Berger (Chairman) Kent, Mrs A Monaghan, Standley, Ms H Whatmore
Apologies for absence from Cllr Mamlok
Also in attendance District Cllr. G Wells
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WD/2008/1250/F  1 Townlands Road,
Demolition of existing detached bungalow and garages and  construction of 5 new houses along road frontage with new access, parking and garden space, including 1 affordable unit.

Cllr  Ms Whatmore declared a prejudicial interest and left the room at 9.40 am
15 local residents attended the meeting  all of whom expressed strong objections to the proposal on the grounds of over development, traffic hazard, height, in particular that of the roundel , overlooking, loss of sunlight, inadequate setback  from the road, and density

Under normal circumstances the committee  would not have considered the application due to it being incomplete in that not all of the elevations were shown, absence of sections, and of the positions of existing trees, and the incorrect answer to Section 16  of the application form which should have indicated “yes” and not “no”, and absence of pre application advice referred to  under Section 5. However in view of the number of residents present the committee decided to comment as follows :-

1.  Broadly the residents’ objections were supported although it could be argued that 5 dwellings would be required to comply with Policy HG9 of the non statutory plan.

2.  The roofs are of such a height that would encourage later conversion of the roof space to bedrooms etc. and it is suggested that a lower eaves height with the first floor accommodated within the roof space with dormer windows might be more acceptable.

3.  It is also noted that the elevations indicate roof lights to plot 2 whereas the plan shows dormer windows.

4.  What appears to be dustbin housings are shown on the plan but not on the elevations

Cllr Whatmore returned at 10.00 am

WD/2008/1296/LB  Wadhurst Institute, High Street
Formation of new doorway in existing partition on first floor and installation of fire alarm system.
Cllr Bell declared an interest and left the room at 10.00 am
Cllr Standley declared an interest and did not take part in the discussion or vote

No objection
(Recommendation ratified by Cllr. Price)
Cllr Bell returned at 10.05 am

WD/2008/1162/F  Blue Caps stud farm, Sleepers Stile Road, Lower Cousley Wood
Conservatory
Strongly object as the conservatory is disproportionately large in relation to the house

WD/2008/1169/F  The Old Stables & Coach House, Faircrouch Green, Station Road
Change the use from agricultural to B2 for 5 years. To demolish the adjacent coach/cart shed to provide adequate parking space for the old stables which will become a traditional blacksmiths forge.
We strongly support this application but care should be taken of the access

WD/2008/1242/LB  3 Quarry Cottages, Little Butts Farm Lane, Cousley Wood
Replace existing rotted dormer window frame and sashes with new.
We support this application

WD/2008/1146/F  Rooks Wood, Buckhurst Lane
Proposed single storey rear extension and garden room extension to side
No objection in principle although we have some concern over the size of the garden room
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Planning Approval notices received from Wealden District Council

WD/2008/0435/F  Foxhole Oast, Foxhole Lane. Garage & storage building
WD/2008/0774/F  Broadwell Cottage, Sleepers stile Road, Cousley wood.  Single storey extension
WD/2008/0649/F  Sorted Oaks, Churchsettle Lane. Demolition of extensions  & removal of outbuilding. Proposed one/two storey  extensions, new porch & Double garage
WD/2008/0743/F  Three Oaks House, Three Oaks Lane. Single storey extension with flat roof link
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B S D Berger  Chairman    1 June 2008