Agenda item

The following motion on the Petts Wood Area Of Special Character (ASRC) was moved by Councillor Simon Fawthrop and seconded by Councillor Douglas Auld. The motion had been slightly amended in the first line by Councillor Fawthrop to refer the matter to the Executive.

“This Council recommends to the Executive that the existing statement in the Unitary Development Plan (UDP) in relation to the Petts Wood Area Of Special Character (ASRC) should be supplemented with the following updated statement which should also form the basis of any descriptions within the Local Development Framework (LDF) including any future reports to Development Control Committee.  This supplement should take place with immediate effect, subject to any statutory or technical considerations, which should be expedited.

I.3 Petts Wood Supplement to the Descriptions in the UDP:

The original plans for Petts Wood date from the late 1920s and early 1930s. While Houses were built over a number of years, in a number of similar though varied styles, the road layout and plot sizes were established in an overall pattern. Today the layout remains largely intact. Within the overall area the Conservation Areas of the Chenies and Chislehurst Road already stand out.

The plots were originally designed on the garden suburb principle by developer Basil Scruby, with large plot sizes spaciously placed. The characteristics of the Petts Wood ASRC include an open feel, predicated by low boundaries and visible front gardens, set back from the road; there is also spaciousness between the houses which is of a superior standard. This allows many of the trees and greenery which prevails throughout the area to be seen from the street scene giving the area its open and semi- rural feel in line with the garden suburb principle.  This open and suburban aspect of the area underlines the special characteristic of the area.  Development which erodes this special character will be resisted.

The separation between building and the rhythm and pattern of the houses adds to the special character. In many cases there is a much wider separation between houses than in other parts of the Borough which demands a higher degree of separation between buildings to maintain the special character, the openness and feel of the area.  Where there are pairs of houses that complement the rhythm of the street scene there is also a prevailing symmetry between the houses. This symmetry can also be seen between neighbouring pairs.  The plots are set out in such a way that the spacious character is one of a clear detached and semi-detached nature.

The front building and rear building lines are also of importance in defining the area. The buildings are of a 1930s design, for example some built by the distinguished designer Noel Rees, which adds to the character of the area.  Whilst there have been some changes post war this design aspect of the area remains intact and future development should respect this characteristic.  The front roof lines are also of a nature which enhances the characteristic of the area being largely untouched by roof extensions and conversions at the front.

The plot sizes and rear gardens are mostly of a size which is commensurate with the Garden Suburb principle and this characteristic also forms part of the amenity value which makes the area special.

When considering future development within the Petts Wood ASRC, the main focus will be on the impact of any proposed development on the ASRC, taking into account the design and spatial standards including the low density of existing development.  Proposals which undermine the character, rhythm, symmetry and spatial standards of the area will be resisted. Likewise new dwellings proposed on gardens and infill will also be strongly resisted. In this context special is used in the dictionary sense to mean distinguished from others of the same category, because it is in some way superior or held in particular esteem.” 

The motion was CARRIED.