Oakfield, Rushmore Hill, Knockholt, SEVENOAKS, TN14 7NL

removal of existing outbuilding comprising triple garage (within 5 metres of dwelling) and erection of linked single storey extension to house to comprise a double garage with utility room and games/playroom

Authority: Sevenoaks District Council
Appeal type: householder · Householder (HAS)
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: residential · Householder developments
Inspector: Dade E

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

Whether the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework and any relevant development plan policies
The effects of the proposal on the openness of the Green Belt
Whether any harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, would be clearly outweighed by other considerations, so as to amount to the very special circumstances required to justify the proposal

What decided it

The fallback position provided by the Lawful Development Certificate for an outbuilding, which would cause greater harm to Green Belt openness than the proposed extension, constitutes very special circumstances justifying approval.

Framework references: 11, 137, 147, 148, 149, 54

Plan policies cited: Policy GB1

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

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What an account adds

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Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
Landscape and environment. Green belt, national parks and national landscapes, SSSIs, ancient woodland, SPA, SAC and Ramsar sites, nutrient catchments.
Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
Transport. The 800 metre station catchment and service frequency, bus stops with their weekday frequency, the cycle network, and the Framework’s transport tests measured for the site.

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