Report for Item 6 - Swale Borough Council

2.4 (Contd) PART 2
Kent County Council Archaeological Officer raises no objection in light of the limited
groundworks involved.
Other Representations
One letter of objection was received from a neighbouring property which is
summarised as follows;
• A legal pedestrian right of way exists to serve the owners of numbers 2, 3 and
4 Bannister Hill Cottages. These cottages enjoy the benefit of pedestrian right
of way to the front, side and rear of numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 Bannister Hill
Cottages and the proposed extension would block this.
• A previous extension at the application site had already built over the right of
way.
• The extension would obstruct the right of way resulting in residents using the
right of way in the opposite direction, thereby increasing pedestrian activity for
the houses to the north, to the detriment of residential amenity.
• If the application is to be approved a condition should be attached requiring a
pre-commencement alteration to the title deed amending the right of way.
Policies
Swale Borough Local Plan 2008
Policy E1 (General Development Criteria) is a broadly based policy which seeks to
ensure that all development is positive, appropriately considered and designed whilst
protecting residential amenity and highway issues.
Policy E15 (Development Affecting a Conservation Area) outlines that development
within a conservation area will preserve or enhance features that contribute
positively to the area’s special character or appearance.
Policy E16 (Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites) aims to
preserve archaeological sites and their settings.
Policy E19 (Achieving High Quality Design and Distinctiveness) encourages high
quality design that responds positively to its environment.
E24 (Alterations and Extensions) relates specifically to householder extensions,
stating that the Council will only grant permission for extensions that:
- are of high quality design;
- are of an appropriate scale to the building and its surroundings;
- maintain or enhance the character of the street scene; and
- protect residential amenity.
The Council’s Supplementary Planning Guidance entitled ‘Designing an Extension: A
Guide for Householders’, is also relevant.
Continued . . .
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