THE MINUTES OF FRANT PARISH COUNCIL PLANNING MEETING
HELD AT FRANT MEMORIAL HALL ON MONDAY 4 August 2008 AT 19:30

Present: Councillors Crookshank (Chairman), Gray, Harris, Hewes, Mrs Howell, Mrs Myers, Rowland and Mrs Scarborough.

1.             TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES AND REASON FOR ABSENCE
Apologies received from Cllrs. Hall and Jeal; reasons noted and accepted.

2.             DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr. Harris declared a personal interest in application WD/2008/1893/F Bayham Farmhouse as a nearby landowner.
Cllr. Mrs Howell declared an interest in application WD/2008/2608/LB as an acquaintance of the owner of an adjoining property.
Cllr. Mrs Myers declared an interest in application WD/2008/2608/LB as an acquaintance of the owner of an adjoining property.

3.             OPEN FORUM
None.

4.             TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED
It was resolved to respond to the planning applications as follows:

WD/2008/1827/F 11 Rushlye Close, Bells Yew Green – removal of conservatory, construction of two storey extension, single storey extension and conservatory.
Having addressed the issue of the windows in the roof of the porch extension in application WD/2008/0920/F, Frant Parish Council supports this current application.

WD/2008/1943/F Melfort Farm, Wadhurst Road – replace rear portico with glazed canopy and conservatory.
No objection.

WD/2008/1623/F Thornbury, Mayfield Road, Frant – extension to utility room.
Frant Parish Council supports this minor extension.

WD/2008/2608/LB 29 High Street, Frant – replacement single storey extension.
No objection to the principle of a replacement extension but there is concern that the position of the new kitchen window will overlook the conservatory in the adjacent property.

WD/2008/2009/F Wish Wood, Bells Yew Green – replacement storage building and new pole barn, retention of existing pole barn and relocation of vehicular access.
The reduction in the size of the new pole barn is welcomed. However, the Parish Council continues to object to the proposal which is considered to be an over-development of the site and could lead to a distribution/storage centre.
All materials for wood production will be brought onto the site; the increased traffic movements and large vehicles associated with the projected increase in production to 480 tonnes will create a traffic hazard close to the centre of the village. The proposed relocation of the vehicular access will bring the entrance within the 30mph speed limit.

If permission is granted then the following conditions should be applied:

• Future use of new buildings to be restricted and complete removal of buildings if business ceases to exist.
• Existing storage containers must be removed.
• Time of operation to be limited
• No external lighting to be permitted.

A temporary consent of 5 years would allow the activity of the business to be monitored.

WD/2008/1893/F Bayham Farmhouse, Little Bayham – replacement dwelling.
The description of the proposal as a two storey dwelling is questioned as there is accommodation within the roof space.

No objection to the principle of a replacement dwelling at this location. However, the Parish Council objects to the size and mass of the proposed new dwelling which is considerably more than the existing and, therefore, contrary to policy. The design of the new dwelling is not in keeping with other buildings in the vicinity and not considered suitable within the original historic parkland of the Bayham Estate. There is concern that the revised siting of the building will overlook neighbouring properties and create a loss of amenity.

5.             To consider proposed diversion of footpath Frant 10 (part) at Ely Grange
Resolved to object strongly to the diversion of footpath 10 (part) at Ely Grange. The owner of Tyburn Buildings was aware of the existence of a footpath when purchasing the site; it is not appropriate to divert the footpath on the grounds of privacy as the proposed location is now adjacent to other properties. As the footpath has been subject to a temporary diversion for safety reasons during construction of the new dwelling at Tyburn Buildings, it is known that the new route causes a disturbance to other dwellings in the vicinity. Parts of the footpath are thought to be ancient rights of way and as such should be protected.

It is understood that some works have already occurred and the Parish Council wishes to see the original footpath reinstated as soon as possible. Planning permission for the temporary access road has now expired.

6.             To note decisions from Wealden District Council.
The following applications have been approved:
WD/2008/1147/F – underground fuel containers at Broomfield.
WD/2008/1268/F – extension and alterations at Plot 9, Broomfield.
WD/2008/1074/FA – alteration of condition to WD/2007/1051/F at Staircase Villa, Eridge Green.
WD/2008/1254/F – amendment to access at The Roundabouts, Bunny Lane

The following applications have been refused:
WD/2008/0902/F – extension/conservatory at 11 Rushlye Close.

7.             To receive report from District Councillor
WDC would like to talk to parishes about the need for more affordable homes.
A change to the South East Plan has increased the number of new dwellings for Wealden District for the next 20 years to 11,000; there are no plans to increase the existing infrastructure.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 20:30.