Fears Development Control Committee 'Lacks Teeth'

Retrospective permission for an ‘eyesore’ garage development in Hythe that has concerned residents was approved after councillors on Shepway Development Control Committee returned a split vote. In such a case, the planning officer’s recommendation must be followed.

Local residents raised concerns the development, in Cannongate Road, is ‘far wider and higher than planned’ and feared a ‘future conversion of this three story garage into a habitable dwelling’.

Ms J Owen, the applicant’s agent, said her clients were ‘extremely sorry’ that a ‘genuine mistake’ had been made. She said the actual increase in height compared to the original application is 10 inches and also explained her clients had made no gain in floor area as a result of this mistake.

Cllr Owen of Hythe Town Council, which recommended refusal, was concerned that the credibility of the Committee would be in question if the supplication was approved. Cllr Owen also said ‘conditions imposed [in the original application] must be seen to have teeth – otherwise their imposition is pointless’ and recommended rejection, ‘even if this requires a partial rebuilding.’

It was noted in the debate that Hythe Town Council accepted the original application; therefore it did not go to Shepway Development Control Committee.

In the debate, Cllrs often noted the garage looked like a house, with Cllr Martin dryly noting this was the first garage he had seen with a shower and a kitchen. Several councillors expressed concerns that to grant permission would be ‘an open door to people taking advantage [of the Committee]’ and that the Committee needed to send a strong message to developers.

However, other councillors though the increase in height from the original application was not sufficiently serious to warrant refusal and rebuilding.

The application led to a split vote, and Cllr Hollingsbee (Chair) used her casting vote in favour of the application.