Issue - meetings

REFUSED AND ENFORCEMENT ACTION AUTHORISED

Description of application – Replacement of inward opening wood electric gates to sliding metal electric gates with wall railings RETROSPECTIVE.

Councillor Owen’s view was the gates eroded the quality of the garden suburb and he suggested the description of the application should not include ‘retrospective’ as gates had been removed some years ago and therefore the application was for new gates.  He appreciated similar gates had been erected nearby but they pre-dated The Petts Wood Article 4 Direction and he referred to two dismissed planning appeal decisions in the area and a street view taken from Google Maps that he had circulated to Members on 24 November 2020 and to the Inspector’s reasons for the appeal dismissals.  He reported that his fellow Ward Members and the Residents Association also objected to the application. 

The Assistant Director, Planning, representative informed Members that that the existing boundary treatment, piers and wall had been on the site since 2008 and some years ago solid wooden gates had been removed that obstructed view (height 1.1 metre) and the current erected gates (height 1.4 metres) were more open that allowed viewing.

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

1. The proposed front boundary treatment including railings and gates and lack of soft landscaping, by reason of their design, height and prominent siting, would be out of keeping with the area and fail to contribute positively to the special character and appearance of this part of the Petts Wood Area of Special Residential Character, contrary to Policies 37 and 44 of the Bromley Local Plan.

IT was FURTHER RESOLVED that RELEVANT ENFORCEMENT ACTION BE AUTHORISED TO SECURE REMOVAL OF THE GATES AND RAILINGS.