Issue - meetings

Report DRR/14/012

Members considered the making of an Article 4 Direction to remove certain classes of permitted development from an area of land between Cudham Lane North and Snag Lane.  The land had recently been purchased by a development company and there was concern that it would be sub-divided into small plots which would undermine the open character and visual amenities of the area due to indiscriminate development including fencing, structures, temporary uses of land and stationing of caravans.

The Chief Planner outlined the report and clarified the significance of Article 4 Directions.  He advised that the expediency of issuing an Article 4 Direction should be considered and that there was a risk of compensation becoming payable at a future stage.

As a Member of the Development Control Committee, Councillor Michael had supported the issue of an Article 4 Direction with immediate effect as the land was potentially vulnerable and she considered that certain developments would change the current nature of the site. An Article 4 Direction safeguarded against such concerns.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to authorise an Article 4 Direction on land between Cudham Lane and Snag Lane to remove permitted development rights for the following classes of development:-

(i)  erection or construction of gates, fences, walls or other means of enclosure (Class A of Part 2);

(ii)  formation, laying out and construction of means of access (Class B of part 2);

(iii)  provision of temporary buildings, etc (Class A of Part 4);

(iv)  temporary uses of land for any purpose for not more than 28 days per year (Class B of part 4);

(v)  use of land as a caravan site (Class A of Part 5).