Agenda item

REFUSED

Description of application – Demolition of existing buildings and construction of a detached 2 storey 5 bedroom dwelling, with basement and accommodation in the roof, on plot between Torphin and Birches.

Oral representations in objection to and in support of the application were received. 

The Chairman asked the applicant’s agent if he wished Members to continue considering the application as further material sent by him to Members was received after the official deadline and was too extensive to read at that late stage.  The Legal Representative asked the agent if the documentation made a material difference and if so, Members may wish to defer the application to consider the new information.  The agent confirmed that the documentation contained no new material and he was happy for Members to proceed.

Oral representations from Ward Member Councillor Ian Payne in objection to the application were received at the meeting.

Further objections to the application had been received and circulated to Members.  Further correspondence from the applicant’s agent and solicitor were also circulated.

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

1  The proposed development by reason of the size and design of the proposed dwelling represents a cramped overdevelopment, incongruous and out of character with surrounding development, harmful to the visual amenities and spatial standards of the area and which would fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Chislehurst Conservation Area contrary to Policies BE1, BE11, H7 and H9 of the Unitary Development Plan, draft Policies 3, 4 and 37 of the Emerging Local Plan and Policy 3.5 of the London Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework.

2  The proposed development would result in a loss of a number of trees which would impact unacceptably upon the verdant nature of the surrounding Conservation Area, harmful to its character and appearance and would create pruning and felling pressure on an existing horse chestnut tree within the site contrary to policies NE7 and BE11 of the Unitary Development Plan, draft Policies 41 and 73 of the Emerging Local Plan and Policy 7.21 of the London Plan.

3  In the absence of sufficient information to demonstrate to the contrary, the proposed development would have an adverse impact upon the ecology and biodiversity of the site which is adjacent to a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation, thereby contrary to Policies NE2, NE4 and NE5 of the Unitary Development Plan and draft Policies 69, 71 and 72 of the Emerging Local Plan.