Meeting Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received, noted, and accepted from Cllr Aldridge, Cllr Baker and Cllr Todd

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A member of the public stated that multiple properties in Greenfield and Grange Close were suffering from subsidence issues. Any disturbance on the bank, especially the removal of trees and excavations for the long ramp into Greenfield could only serve to cause further disturbance to the ground and substrate which would impact on properties in Greenfield.

A second member of the public said that this application would cause problems with loss of trees and the possible subsidence of properties nearby. There had been historical parking problems in Greenfield and Grange Close. Multiple commuters already parked at the top of Greenfield since parking restrictions were introduced in Grange Close. Parents already parked in Greenfield at the start and end of school times and more residents had cars parked in the road now.

A third member of the public agreed with the previous person’s comments and said that multiple houses in Greenfield had subsided and that they were worried about disturbance to the bank. They went on to say that the long ramp into Greenfield would serve no purpose as pedestrians would need to walk to the station to get access to the ramp which was no better than the existing access to the high street. They said that vandalism was a problem and reversing cars, and cars turning around, illegal scooter and bicycles could cause collisions. Parents parked for access to school and use the turning circle in Greenfield to go back. Stations users park in the road to avoid paying the charges.

A fourth member of public feared that the pedestrian access would be pivotal to an increase in antisocial behaviour which was already prevalent in Grange Close and wanted to know what measures the Developer would take to address these problems.

A fifth member of public said they had created a yardage analysis of the access to the High Street and had found that the steps and path on the application show no benefit to pedestrians as they would walk 100 yards less than they do now, saving perhaps one minute.

It was agreed by the Committee that items 5.7 and 5.8 on the Agenda would be brought forward so that members of the public could hear the members’ comments

Resolved: the minutes of the Planning Committee held on 26 September 2022 be duly signed by the Committee Chairman as a true and accurate record of the meeting; pages 9780-9782.

Recommendation: Members object to this application.

The dormer window is out of character with the area and interferes with the street scene.

Members noted that the existing structure encroaches on the neighbouring property – is too large and overshadowing

Recommendation: Members object to this application.

Members commented that the dormer window is out of character with the area and interferes with the street scene.

Recommendation: Members supported this application.

Members wished to repeat that they would want to see reports from the Conservation officer, the Ecological Officer and the Heritage Officer.

Recommendation: Members supported this application.

Recommendation: Members supported this application

Recommendation: Members supported this application

Recommendation: Members objected to this application. Members commented that the application made insufficient provision for parking and that they share residents’ concern that 41 spaces were not sufficient for 38 dwellings. Members suggested that perhaps parking restrictions should be applied in Greenfield and asked why staircase access to the high street was needed. The Design of the buildings is out of keeping with the area

Recommendation: Members objected to this application.

Recommendation: Members supported this application

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Sevenoaks District Council is currently preparing a Local Plan for the Sevenoaks District. The Local Plan will cover the period up to 2040 and is being issued for Regulation 18 consultation, which requires the Local Authority to invite representations on what the Local Plan ought to contain. The consultation period is proposed to run for 8 weeks from 16 November 2022 until 11 January 2023.

Cllr McArthur commented that this had been discussed at Cabinet last week. Cllr McArthur stated the document provides only a very short window in which comments can be made and that it contains undeliverable items and misrepresents what the Council wants for the Town. It was agreed that a request will be made to Sevenoaks district council to discuss the concerns and objections of our members

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