®Planning appeal decision
Friars Coach House , Maidstone Road, Matfield, near Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 7LG
a two bedroom bungalow which is energy efficient (designed by Scandia-Hus). External Gross (Footprint) 113m2. Internal Gross 98m2. Alternatively, if permission cannot be allowed for a permanent dwelling, even at appeal, planning permission for a mobile home. See letter attached
- Authority
- Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
- Appeal type
- minor · Planning Appeal
- Procedure
- Written Representations
- Development
- residential · Minor Dwellings
- Inspector
- Lo S
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- Whether the proposed development would be in an appropriate location, having particular regard to the character and appearance of the surrounding area and development plan policies
What decided it
The proposal would harm the High Weald AONB, which provides a clear reason for refusal under NPPF paragraph 11d) and footnote 7, such that the presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply despite the Council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.
The limited benefits of housing provision, economic activity during construction, environmental benefits of eco-friendly construction, and social benefits to the appellant and elderly/disabled people do not outweigh the significant harm to the AONB landscape and conflict with development plan policies protecting rural character and restraining countryside development.
Framework references: 11, 176
Plan policies cited: Policy LBD1, Policy EN25, Policy EN1, Core Policy 4, Core Policy 6, Core Policy 14
The main issues and the deciding factor are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.