The Planning Committee of Bexley Council met on Thursday, 25 January 2024, to consider a range of town planning applications. The committee approved six of the seven applications discussed, with one application being deferred for further information.

Town Planning Applications for Development

The committee considered several applications for development across the borough.

Garages rear of 20-28 Blenheim Drive, Welling, Kent (23/01905/FUL)

This application sought retrospective planning permission to increase the height of three proposed residential dwellings by 535mm. Objections were raised by twelve households concerning the increased height, potential for overlooking, and the impact of construction. Despite these objections, the committee voted 6-1 to approve the application, with a correction noted for the report.

144 Rochester Drive, Bexley, Kent, DA5 1QF (23/02822/FUL)

The proposal was for the erection of a detached two-storey dwelling with associated parking and landscaping. Objectors raised concerns about increased traffic during construction, parking stress, design, harm to local wildlife, loss of privacy, and the impact of construction works on a disabled resident. The agent spoke in support of the application. The committee discussed the application and, after considering the report and the addendum, voted 5-2 to approve the application. Amendments were made to conditions 8 and 10 of the planning permission. Condition 8 was reworded to ensure that the use of the land as a dwelling could not commence until the parking area was laid out and finished. Condition 10 was amended to remove the phrase which can be accommodated, ensuring the visibility splays were provided.

22 Ranleigh Gardens, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA7 5PD (23/02637/FUL)

This application was for a part one/part two storey side and rear extension and the insertion of roof lights. Objections were received from four neighbouring addresses citing concerns about loss of light, overshadowing, privacy, scale, character, and increased noise. The committee voted 10-0 to approve the application as recommended in the report.

38 Parkwood Road, Bexley, Kent, DA5 3NW (23/02744/FUL)

The application involved part one/part two storey side and rear extensions, loft conversion with alterations to the roofline, roof lights, a detached outbuilding for office use, new boundary walls and gates, and a dropped kerb. Three neighbouring properties were consulted, and four representations were received, raising concerns about design, highway visibility, privacy, loss of light, refuse, and the accuracy of the plans. The committee noted that a condition regarding privacy screening for the proposed rear terrace should have been imposed. Following discussion, the committee voted 7-0 to approve the application, subject to the additional condition requiring details of privacy screening measures for the first-floor rear terrace to be submitted and approved.

4 Farwell Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 4LG (23/03059/FUL)

This application was for a single-storey side extension. Six neighbouring properties were notified, and three objections were received, citing overdevelopment, pollution, privacy concerns, loss of sunlight, and potential damage to internal features. The committee discussed the application and voted 7-1 to approve it as recommended.

22 Christchurch Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA15 7HQ (23/03201/S211)

This application was a notification of works to various trees within the Christchurch Conservation Area. The property owner is an employee of the London Borough of Bexley, which led to the referral to the committee. The Tree Officer raised no objection. The committee voted 10-0 to raise no objection to the proposed works, agreeing with the recommendation that the works were appropriate and would not harm the character of the conservation area.

The committee also noted the date of the next meeting, scheduled for 29 February 2024.