Agenda item

REFUSED

Description of application – Outline planning application for the demolition of four existing houses (No. 14 to No. 20 Knoll Rise), erection of three new buildings ranging from three to four storeys comprising 41 apartments with associated access, parking and amenity space.

Oral representations from Ward Member Councillor William Huntington-Thresher in objection to the application were received at the meeting.

In relation to a previous planning appeal decision, Members were informed that the Inspector did not endorse the Council’s reason for refusal on Highways grounds.  It was therefore advisable not to include those grounds should Members decide to refuse this application.

A vote to include a reason for refusal on Highways grounds fell.

Members having considered the report, objections and representations, RESOLVED that the application BE REFUSED as recommended, for the reasons set out in the report of the Chief Planner amended to read:-

‘1  The development, as proposed, by reason of its size, scale and massing would result in a cramped overdevelopment of the site, out of character, overly prominent and harmful to the visual amenities of the area and suburban character of the wider locale which this site is considered to contribute positively to as a result of its size, scale and massing contrary to Policies 3, 4 and 37 of the Bromley Local Plan and Policies 3.4 and Table 3.2, 7.4 and 7.15 of the London Plan, Draft London Policies D2, D6 and the Mayor’s Housing SPG.

2  The proposed development fails to provide a satisfactory standard of living accommodation for future occupiers by virtue of the inadequate private outdoor spaces, communal garden access arrangement in an area of open space deficiency, lack of outlook and privacy contrary to Policies 4 and 59 of the Bromley Local Plan, Policies 4 and 37 of the Draft Local Plan and Policies 7.4 and 7.15 of the London Plan and the Mayor’s Housing SPG.’

The following reason for refusal was also added:-

3  The development will result in the loss of important suburban family housing at this location, this being an essential characteristic of the residential form of the area, contrary to Policies 4 and 37 of the Bromley Local Plan and Policy 7.4 of the London Plan.