21/501653/FULL - 38 Tanners Street, Faversham, ME13 7JP

The Faversham Society has previously objected on aesthetic and environmental grounds. Whilst the application may be considered by some to address the aesthetic concerns. We do not.  The "mass"  of the shed overlooking the Westbrook detracts from the attractiveness of the stream and the Conservation Area.

The shed appears to be cantilevered over the Westbrook, which we understand is owned by Swale. It is clearly on the bank of the Westbrook and an impediment to wildlife. 

We are particularly surprised by the officer's recommendation as it conflicts with Swale's Climate and Ecological Emergency declaration and the policy objective to 'safeguard our wild places'. Bearing Fruits (CP 4), requiring good design,  commits SBC to "using landscape design and open space to retain and create green corridors for pedestrians, cyclists and biodiversity" – this is a crucial priority in the emerging Local and Neighbourhood Plans.

The Westbrook is a chalk stream requiring particular care and faces a public right of way linking two heritage sites – Stonebridge Pond and the Chart Gunpowder Mill.

The current Faversham Conservation Area Appraisal recognises the heritage importance of the Westbrook and mentions explicitly the section of the stream threatened by this development: "at the back of TannersStreet [the Westbrook] now winds gently between an attractive margin of trees and waterside vegetation." The proposal fails to respond positively to the conservation area appraisal as required by DM33.

DM33 also requires that Development … within, affecting the setting of, or views into and out of a conservation area, will preserve or enhance all features that contribute positively to the area's special character or appearance.' We submit that this development does not comply with DM33.

There are no other examples of sheds backing on to that stretch of the Westbrook where a shed occupies the whole width of the garden or appears to be cantilevered over the stream

In our view, there is a substantial danger that a precedent will be set and that others will choose to build similar "sheds" to establish a view on to the Westbrook, creating substantial amenity value to the property owners but to the significant detriment of Faversham's citizens and visitors.