land rear of 31/29 glenwood drive, minster

The Area Planning Officer explained that the application was for a detached dwelling on land to the rear of 31/29 Glenwood Drive, Minster. He reported that he had received an amended block plan from the Applicant, which showed more accurately the relationship of the proposed dwelling with the adjacent property, Moonrakers. The proposed property would have the appearance of a chalet bungalow and would include an integral garage and two parking spaces. The property would front onto Queenborough Drive and the streetscene of this road included chalet bungalows and two storey houses. He referred Members to a nearby property, Dunedin Heights, which was of a similar design and scale to the proposed dwelling. In response to a question, he confirmed that the garden would abut the rear garden of number 27 Queenborough Drive. The Applicant had amended the plans to replace french doors at the rear of the property with a window. The Area Planning Officer addressed the concerns which had been raised by local residents, as outlined in the report.

Local residents raised concern regarding access from the dwelling onto the junction of Queenborough Drive and Glenwood Drive; loss of privacy and light for neighbouring properties; intrusive nature of the proposal; overshadowing and drainage. The owner of Moonrakers requested Members view the site from the rear of his property.

The applicant advised that a soakaway would be installed at the rear of the property.

A Member referred to the need for deep foundations as the house would be on a slope. The Area Planning Officer explained that foundations were an issue for building control and other properties in the area were built on a gradient.

A Member asked for the views of Southern Water on the application and the Area Planning Officer undertook to seek their views before the meeting of the Planning Committee on 21st June 2007. He further advised that the comments regarding access to the site onto the junction would be reported to Kent Highway Services for consideration before the meeting.

Members then toured the site and asked the Area Planning Officer and Applicant questions, which they answered.