REFUSED

Description of application - Sub-division of the existing duplex apartment into 2 x two bedroom flats and the construction of a rear, second floor dormer extension.

Oral representations from Ward Member, Councillor Christine Harris, in objection to the application were received at the meeting.  She referred to

application reference 20/00732/FULL1 permitted on 2 June 2020 and, at the time, she had considered that application to be an overdevelopment and she had not approved of the reduction from four to two parking spaces.  The current application was for two parking spaces, for use of the apartment and businesses, which would lead to less parking for residents and customers that would cause congestion and affect the turning point for deliveries. The application made no provision for a refuse area or cycle spaces. She was also concerned that the juliette balcony would affect the neighbouring business with the loss of privacy and daylight and she objected to the application.

The Assistant Director (Planning and Building Control) representative advised Members that permission had previously been granted for the erection of a single storey rear extension and stairs to the rear elevation, and it was shown on the current drawings and incorporated in the heading of the application. He also advised that Highways Division had not objected to the application and that the applicant had confirmed that the flat roof extension granted in June 2020 was not for café use.

The Chairman appreciated the local knowledge of Councillor Harris and he referred to the limited parking along the parade of shops and agreed that the parking allocation was inadequate.

Councillor Simon Fawthrop was familiar with the site and, whilst he had supported the previous application, his view was that this was an over intensification of the site.

Councillor Colin Hitchens used the local shops frequently and he objected to the lack of parking.

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

REASON:  The proposed development, by reason of the extensions and subdivision of the existing duplex apartment and the proposed parking arrangement would result in an over-intensification of use, an overdevelopment of the application site and lack of parking provision for the commercial and residential uses. This is contrary to policies 4, 6, 30 and 37 of the Bromley Local Plan.