Listed for £700,000
May 5, 2025
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Where there is some uncertainty there is much merit in getting a Certificate of Established Existing Use for in this instance the small unit towards the front of the site. This could be a first step. A second step might involve establishing that it is a separate dwelling unit that is separate from the main Colt bungalow.
The next stage could be to consider some extensions to both properties. Any planning application must be determined in accordance with a development plan unless other material considerations indicate an alternative result. Material considerations in this instance include the policies contained in the National Planning Policy Framework and I will attach an extract from this (available on request). For example under paragraph 149 the following exceptions to general Green Belt policy apply “the extension or alteration of a building provided that it does not result in disproportionate additions over and above the size of the original building”. I also draw attention to paragraph 150 “the reuse of buildings provided that the buildings are of permanent and substantial construction”.
Having regard to all of the above considerations, the planning balance indicates to me that the independent use and creation of a separate dwelling unit around the small property at the front of the site is feasible with perhaps some extensions. It might also be possible having obtained that permission, to extend the Colt bungalow. It would also be possible to knock the building down and perhaps combine both units for a much larger house.
Sevenoaks Council has a policy of allowing extensions up to 50% of the existing floor area or the floor area existing as at the previous date often taken just after the War in 1948. This approach has not been supported on appeal and Inspectors take a slightly different approach and I may attach an example of one such case for reference purposes. To summarise, handled correctly there is potential to improve the existing housing provision on this site. However, until there is a planning consent in place there is no absolute certainty and the above represents an outline of a possible strategy that will need to be adapted and changed as matters progress.
Location - Hartley lies in the northern side of the North Downs between Sevenoaks and Dartford/Gravesend. The thriving village offers local shops, post office and two outstanding primary schools. Hartley Country Club is set in 10 acres of glorious Kent countryside and offers a unique combination of sporting and social attractions. The village of Longfield offers comprehensive shopping facilities, including Waitrose, doctors surgery, a local bakery and butchers to name a few and a mainline railway station with services to London Victoria. Ebbsfleet international provides fast services to St Pancras and is within 5.5 miles. The Bluewater shopping centre with its varied range of shops and recreational facilities is approximately 5 miles from Hartley village.