declarations of interest

No interests were declared.

part b minutes for information

sw/10/0779 (2.1) - 15 johnson road, sittingbourne

The Senior Planner outlined the application which sought permission for the erection of a part single-storey, part two-storey rear extension, a dormer window on the side roof slope and the insertion of front and rear rooflights. The proposed extension would project three metres to the rear across the width of the property at ground floor level. The proposed two-storey element of the extension would be situated two metres away from the common boundary with the adjoining dwelling, No. 13 and would project three metres to the rear with a ridge height of 7.4 metres. The proposals included the use of materials to match the existing property, and it would provide additional living space and a shower room at ground floor, and enable reorganisation of the first floor to provide an en-suite bathroom.

He advised that the proposed dormer window would sit on the southern side roof slope of the house, and it would measure approximately 1.8 metres high by 1.5 metres wide. The dormer window, along with the proposed rooflights, would enable conversion of the loft space to provide a fourth bedroom with en-suite at the property.

He explained that a previous application had been refused by Officers due to the inappropriate scale, design and visual impact of the large dormer window. He considered that the revised application had addressed this issue and, in his opinion, the proposal would not give rise to significant serious amenity impacts, overlooking or loss of light.

Mr Martin explained that the property was owned by his father-in-law. The planning permission was being sought in advance of his family moving into the property to enable them to take on No. 15 Johnson Gardens as the family home and downsize from their current property.

Local residents spoke against the proposal and made the following comments: loss of natural light to neighbouring properties, excessive number of bathrooms for a family house, concern that the property would be converted into flats or bed-sits, the application would generate additional parking problems in a narrow road, the proposal was out of character with the house and street scene, and overshadowing.

Councillor Truelove spoke as the Ward Member. He thanked Members for attending the meeting and considered that it was important to view the proposal against the social and built environment of the street.

A Member considered that the proposal was out of keeping with the street scene and raised concern about parking issues. She questioned how many cars could be parked on the driveway and if Kent Highway Services (KHS) had conducted an impact assessment on parking at peak times.

The Area Planning Officer confirmed that KHS had raised no objection to the application and there was no requirement for KHS to complete an impact assessment for an application relating to a domestic dwelling.

In response to a question, the Senior Planner confirmed that the dormer window had been reduced by one metre in height and one metre in width from the previous application.

Members then toured the site with Officers.