Agenda item

PERMISSION, CONDITIONS TO BE DETERMINED UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY

Description of application – Erection of two storey rear extension to provide one additional two bedroom duplex flat with own entrance (accessed from Pickwick Way) and to enlarge four existing flats providing them with a new exclusive entrance (access from Kemnal Road); along with minor external and internal alterations to existing building to form an additional one bedroom flat within the existing building (flat 14) in place of former communal lounge and kitchen. Use of existing highway access off Pickwick Way for additional parking (including EV charging) and additional refuse/recycling and cycle storage.

Oral representations in objection to and in support of the application were received at the meeting. Photographs had been received from the agent and from the applicant and circulated to Members. 

The Assistant Director (Planning and Building Control) representative advised Members that the following the publication of this report, an updated Five Year Housing Land Supply position had been agreed at Development Control Committee on 24^th September 2020.  The current position is that the Council can demonstrate a supply of 3.31 years, which represents a significant under supply.  Members were therefore advised to consider the weight that could be afforded to the additional housing proposed in this application in the overall planning balance, having regard to the presumption in favour of sustainable development set out in Paragraph 11 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

The officer recommendation remained as set out in the report.

Late comments had been received from APCA as follows:

“Of all the applications, one in particular stands out for me and that is 20/01718, Selwood House in Chislehurst. This is a complicated and contentious application, relating to a locally listed building designed in late 19C by George Somers-Clarke, PPRIBA. From what I understand there have been two failed appeals for separate dwellings at the rear of Selwood House.  This application is for a rear extension to the existing LLB and, in my view, the proposed treatment of the west and south elevations suggests an enhanced appearance, whilst reflecting the design of the original building. On this basis I would be prepared to support the proposal on conservation and design grounds.  However, this particular scheme raises serious issues concerning trees and possibly parking.”

A transcript of the discussion by Members is attached as an Appendix.

Members having considered the report, objections and representations, RESOLVED that PERMISSION be GRANTED AGAINST OFFICERS’ RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE REASONS THAT the overall impact of the proposed development would be to improve the external appearance of Selwood House as the detailing of the extensions reflect the locally listed building and will be subservient in mass, scale and height. The proposal would therefore not harm the character and appearance of the locally listed building and its setting within the Conservation area. The proposed duplex flat would not adversely harm the amenities of the neighbouring residential properties on Pickwick Wayand in particular, the neighbour at 20 Pickwick Way. The proposed duplex will sit to the side of that property which would have an uninterrupted outlook down Pickwick Way. There is a garage between that house and the proposed duplex. From within 20 Pickwick Way there will be only limited views of the duplex. The main part of the garden of 20 Pickwick Way is to the rear and south facing and the proposal will not cause overshadowing or loss of light to that property.

MEMBERS ALSO RESOLVED THAT the Assistant Director (Planning) be given delegated authority to determine the conditions to be imposed on the grant of planning permission.

PUBLISHED RECORDING OF THE MEETING OF PLANS SUB-COMMITTEE NO. 1 - 1 OCTOBER 2020