All Members stated that they had been lobbied.

The Committee considered the report and the urgent update report of the Development Control Manager.

Ms Jones, an objector, Mr Crilley, for the applicants, and Councillor Chittenden addressed the meeting.

RESOLVED:

1.  That subject to the prior completion of a legal agreement, in such terms as the Head of Legal Services may advise, to secure:-

  (i)  Highway contributions which shall include:-

·  The improvement of two bus stops within Royal Engineers Road, including raised kerbs and real time bus information system at each bus stop; these to be provided prior to the completion of the development/first occupation.

·  The upgrade of the existing pedestrian crossing over Royal Engineers Road to a toucan crossing; this to be provided prior to the completion of the development/first occupation.

·  A new bicycle link between the application site and the existing bicycle link to the south of the site utilising the riverside tow path; this to be provided prior to the completion of the development/first occupation.  Should the applicants not be able to provide this bicycle path, then they will be required to make a payment of £15,000 to the Highway Authority for the upgrade and improvement of the existing bicycle network within the locality. 

  (ii)  Highway improvements which shall consist of the creation of a shared surface, together with associated landscaping, to the front of the proposed library building; this to be completed prior to the first use of the building.

  (iii)  Primary health care contributions which shall consist of the provision of the sum of £74,160 for the improvement of health care services within the Borough of Maidstone.

  (iv)  Open space contributions which shall consist of the provision of public open space to the south of the application site which shall be maintained by the applicant in accordance with the management plan.

  (v)  County Council contributions which shall consist of:-

·  A contribution of £180 per unit for adult education;

·  A contribution of £1,201 per unit for adult social services;

·  A contribution of £227 per unit for library facilities; and

·  A contribution of £206.75 per applicable flat for youth and community facilities.

  (vi)  Affordable Housing Provision

  It is proposed that all of the flats within the development would be affordable units (100%).

  (vii) The provision of a public work of art within the development site.

  (viii) The incorporation of the roundabout to the east of the application site within a landscape management plan to be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority.

the Development Control Manager be given delegated powers to grant permission subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report, as amended by the urgent update report, the additional condition and informatives set out in the urgent update report, and the following additional informative:-

A Development Panel should be established to monitor the development’s progress, including consideration of materials and landscaping details; the Panel to include Council Officers, Ward Members and representatives of the applicant/developer.

2.   That the details to be submitted pursuant to condition 18 (external lighting) must be reported back to the Planning Committee for consideration.

3.  That Kent Highway Services and Kent Police be asked to look at pedestrian use of Royal Engineers Road and the effective enforcement of the existing speed limit.

Voting:  9 – For  2 – Against  1 – Abstention

Note:  Councillor Mrs Marshall left the meeting during consideration of this application (6.55 p.m.).  She returned after the discussion and voting (7.25 p.m.).