Issue - meetings

REFUSED

Description of application – Single storey extension to annexe building with access ramp and change to site boundary.

The Chief Planner reported that a letter from the Headteacher in support of the application, an email in objection to the application and a letter from the Chairman of Chelsfield Village Society, Councillor Melanie Stevens, had been received and circulated to Members.  The Tree Officer had made an additional site inspection following concerns from local residents.

Ward Member, Councillor Samaris Huntington-Thresher, referred to previous applications that had been granted permission (references 14/03336 and 16/05292) and the site being within the Green Belt and also in a Conservation Area.  Chelsfield Primary School had removed the tree and cleared the site and in her view, shown disregard to the Conservation Area, neighbours’ amenities and taken advantage of the planning process for a larger application.

Councillor Tony Owen objected to the application and referred to the November 2014 permission for a similar outbuilding for essential learning space which had still not been implemented and in his view, essential need was not a strong enough reason to overcome green belt considerations.

Councillor Charles Joel supported the application.

Members having considered the report and objections, RESOLVED that PERMISSION BE REFUSED for the following reason:-

1.  The proposed extension, by reason of its size and siting, would be harmful to the character of the Chelsfield Conservation Area, and is considered to be inappropriate development in the Green Belt; and therefore by definition is harmful to the Green Belt. The substantial level of harm that would arise from the development by way of harm to the openness of the Green Belt, is not clearly outweighed by any educational or other benefits that would arise. Very special circumstances therefore do not exist. As such the proposal is not sustainable development and is contrary to the aims and objectives of the NPPF (2012) and Policies 7.8 and 7.16 of the London Plan (2015) and G1 and BE11 of the Unitary Development Plan (2006).

A motion for refusal was proposed by Councillor Huntington-Thresher and seconded by Councillor Fawthrop. The vote for refusal was 4:4.

The Chairman used her casting vote for refusal