Planning Applications - Fordwich Hill

The applicant sought to build a detached house in the garden, fronting onto Fordwich Rise.

The Society objected on the grounds that the plot dimensions are inadequate resulting in the house being too close to the back edge of the pavement and, given the site is located close to one of the entrances to the estate, it creates a discordant visual impression on entry.

The estate does not fall within the Conservation Area, but because the houses almost all display the distinctive architectural style of the period immediately before the Second World War, it is our view that the area is worthy of protection from developments which are in conflict with the general setting adopted in the original layout.

The application was refused, but is now subject to written appeal.

Planning Applications: Former Coles shop, Maidenhead Street

We objected to a proposal to replace the existing shop front by a fully glazed façade parallel to the street line. We noted that all the other shops in the street, bar one, have solid stall boards at street level, and that this design should be repeated in the new front. The application has been rejected.

Recent Planning Matters - Mead Lane

The Planning Committee was recently invited to discuss and make input to the District Council’s urban design framework for the Mead Lane area.

Public consultation, seeking ideas and comment, is planned for June, prior to the preparation of a supplementary planning document (SPD) to the Local Plan, which will be used to inform the processing of planning applications in that area.

The proposal to improve access, particularly for heavy lorries and emergency vehicles, has already appeared in the Urban Transport Plan, together with new facilities enabling buses to service the area; both plans supported by the Society.

The most recent Employment Study identified the need to retain significant B2 (industrial) use to the east of Marshgate Drive, but indicated that some of this area could be designated for B1 (office and commercial) use mixed with residential. The B1 use would serve as a buffer zone between any housing and B2 uses and the Council sees this initiative as an opportunity to improve conditions for existing businesses.

At the meeting we sought retention of adequate space for small businesses serving the town, some provision for commuter parking at the East Station, a more open aspect to residential development as seen from the Navigation and a limit on building heights to maintain the town’s profile as seen from Kings Meads.