5 Keats Road, Larkfield, Aylesford, ME20 6TP

Planning appeal 3337212 at 5 Keats Road, Larkfield, Aylesford, ME20 6TP (Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council) was dismissed on 12 December 2024 by Inspector Pattison B, by written representations. The main issue, as the Inspector framed it: the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area.

construction of a two storey, two bedroom end of terrace dwelling, together with ancillary cycle stores and bin collection facilities

Authority: Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: residential · Minor Dwellings
Inspector: Pattison B
Postcode: ME20 6TP

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
the living conditions of future occupiers, with particular reference to the adequacy of the outdoor amenity space, privacy and outlook

What decided it

The harm to character and appearance caused by the dwelling's cramped siting, looming presence, and lack of meaningful landscaping, combined with the irregular plot layout, was found to be so significant that it outweighed the benefits of delivering an additional housing unit in a location with an acknowledged housing land supply shortfall.

The benefits of housing delivery and use of a windfall site within a settlement were outweighed by the significant harm to character and appearance and the importance of achieving well-designed places, such that the adverse impacts demonstrably outweighed the benefits and the presumption in favour of sustainable development did not apply.

What the Inspector cited

Development plan policies: CP1CP24SQ1PA4/12
National Planning Policy Framework: Paragraph 135Paragraph 11

How the Inspector dealt with each one is set out in the app, in order: the development plan, national policy, housing land supply, other considerations and the planning balance, beside the letter.

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The decision letter

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More decisions in Tonbridge and Malling

The authority’s record since 2016 · every decision in 2024

Allowed29 September 20266010459
Land West of 103 Tonbridge Road, Hildenborough, TN11 9HL
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The Old Stables, 12 Kenward Court, Hadlow, Tonbridge, TN11 0DX
Dismissed8 July 20266007841
Land Adjoining Hazeldene, Pilgrims Way, Trottiscliffe, West Malling, ME19 5EW
Dismissed1 July 20266002496
Old Allens, Allens Lane, Plaxtol, Sevenoaks, TN15 0QZ
Dismissed18 June 20266004481
Elpatos, Pilgrims Way, West Malling, ME19 5EP

The main issues, what decided it, the planning balance and the policies and judgments listed as cited are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro and are our summary, not the Inspector’s words; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.