DCS Ref: 100-066-517 Written reps Year of Decision: 2010 Inspector: J ROBERTS
County: KENT Summary of Decision: ALLOWED
Description:
4 dwellings and landscaping . Redevelopment of existing repair garage in street off main shopping street of market town. Loss of community service and employment site alleged but little weight as repair garage does not play a similar public role as eg public house as locals could travel to similar facilities and do not meet there to socialize. No loss from existing utilitarian bdlgs and proposal would enhance streetscene. Notes provision of 5 parking spaces in a centre site ample for needs. Abstract:
A council's attempt to prevent a longstanding car repair garage in a Kent town being redeveloped for four houses failed after an inspector decided that it would not result in the loss of a community facility.
The council relied on a policy within its core strategy which stated that proposals which involved the loss of sites which were used for the provision of community services would only be allowed in specific circumstances. The council stated that while garages were not specifically referred to in the policy, the latter should be interpreted broadly. It asserted that the garage played an important social and economic role in town life, adding to local diversity and interest.
The inspector was not convinced by these arguments noting that the policy referred to schools, places of worship, libraries, recreation and amenity space and public services. In his view, a car repair garage did not fall within the same category as these uses which had a specific social role in the local community. People did not socialise at the garage and it was possible for residents to travel to other car repair facilities, he concluded. The appeal was allowed.
COMPASS Index Terms | Issue Codes | | 02 | | Sustainability | | 17 | | Loss of socially valuable use | | 338 | | Would enhance character of urban area | | 580 | | eyesore - removal of | | 660 | | Too little on site parking | | |
| Development Codes | | 500 | | Conventional house(s | | |
| Proposal Codes | | 111 | | B2 - General industrial/manufacturing, waste processing, light industrial etc - Redevelopment of | | |
| Site Codes | | 03 | | Town centre - Post August 06 cases | | 040 | | Town centre fringe only - Post August 06 cases | | |
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