Agenda item

REFUSED

A presentation was given by Planning in which Members were informed that the application was for a single storey rear extension, with the existing covered side car port to form a ground floor extension with parapet wall and tiled pitched roof. Also to be included was a first floor front and side extension.

It was noted that the applicants had a second application for this property due for consideration at this meeting under Agenda Item 4.2 (23/04823/FULL6).

It was confirmed that the current application was similar to an application that was refused planning permission on 17^th March 2023 and dismissed at appeal on 9^th October 2023 (23/00227/FULL6). Page 10 of the Report confirms the refusal reason for the application. Amendments had been made to the previous application, as outlined on pages 11 and 12 of the Report.

Planning confirmed that extensions already made to the property had resulted in an increase of 35% in the floor area of the original dwelling, This figure clearly showed that the property had already been disproportionately enlarged in relation to the Green Belt under the NPPF and Policy 51 of the Bromley Local Plan. The current proposals would result in an overall increase of 67% in the floor area compared to the original. Planning also stated that no special circumstances had been provided by the Applicant for consideration.

An oral representation was then received from the Agent who confirmed to Members that it was felt the current application was a positive response to the previous appeal decision, with the changes made to the proposals. Members also heard that design was not an issue previously and shouldn’t be now. In addition, two letters of support from neighbours had been received confirming there were no objections to the plans. The Agent also stated that the overall size of the property would have been increased to a greater extent if the applicant had decided to submit plans for an extension under Permitted Development.

Following a discussion regarding Permitted Development and a ‘fall back’ position, Planning advised Members that no weight should be given to a ‘fall back’ as prior approval had not been obtained.

Ward Member, Councillor Dr Gupta, was due to attend the meeting to speak in support of the application but had sent his apologies that he was unable to attend. Cllr Dr Gupta had provided a statement which had been circulated to Members and Officers prior to the meeting, and it was also read out by the Chairman.

Ward Councillor and Committee Member, Councillor Laidlaw, then confirmed to Members that he couldn’t see any reason not to support the application for the reasons given by Cllr Dr Gupta.

Although acknowledging and understanding the points raised, several Members also confirmed that the property was located in a Green Belt area and adjacent to the Bromley, Hayes and Keston Common Conservation area, and voiced their concerns that the application was still required to be considered following the relevant policies for such cases.

Some Members stated that the reductions to the plans following the previous application were seen to be minimal, the property had already been extended significantly over the years and the overall increase in floor area was a major consideration. Furthermore, no special circumstances had been provided and Members had a duty to follow policy.

A motion for approval was then voted on but was not carried.

Members having considered the Report, objections and representations RESOLVED that PERMISSION BE REFUSED as recommended for the reasons set out in the Report.