Speech to Development Control: Land Adjoining Well House, Radnor Cliff

Last night I gave a speech on behalf of Sandgate Parish Council to Shepway Development Control Committee on application Y14/1343/SH for Land adjoining Well House, 41 Radnor Cliff. The committee passed the application unanimously.

I said:

"Good evening Councillors,

"I've been asked to speak on behalf of Sandgate Parish Council, who decided at their 6th January meeting not to support the application before you.

"The view of the Sandgate Planning Committee at their meeting was that:

• The plans were unclear on the scale of the development;

• that the design of the building was not in keeping with Principles 4 and 5 of the Sandgate Design Statement, that developments should preserve the character and appearance of conservation area and was not in keeping with housing in the area;

• there was concern on the intrusion of privacy of neighbouring properties;

• there was serious concerns on the geological and ecological impact, especially as this development is so close to the bank rising to the Leas;

• and the increase to existing parking problems in the area.

"I should also mention that the Radnor and Riviera Residents Association, chaired by Ian Barker, has submitted an objection to this application.

"Equally however, I do know that a significant number of local residents have submitted letters in support of the application. It is certainly clear that this is a site that is reasonable for development, and the right property would make a positive contribution to the street scene.

"We're pleased to see that it has been agreed that the Latchgate condition would apply to this development. It is essential is applied and hopefully will mitigate concerns on the geological impact.

"Equally, I note that it is said within the application that this development will not effect any trees on the site. I would ask that this is a condition, and that especially any TPO's trees in or near the site receive special attention: there are other developments locally where TPOd trees not previously thought to be in the scope of the development have now been removed, and after they have been cut down it is hard to get them back.

"It is certainly welcome that the applicant has understood the comments on the previous application for this site and come back with a proposal for a much more modest 3 bedroomed single property. Although the design is not to all tastes, this is certainly a significant step in the right direction. There does however remain a concern about the proximity of the building to its near neighbours, which we can only ask you consider.

"Finally, I'd again like you to note Sandgate's comments, and thank you for your time."