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Representation

A neighbour representation has been received raising a number of issues with regard to the development proposed under this application.  These comments include the impact of the development upon the neighbouring listed building Wierton Hall, the impact upon the existing highway, the machinery used by the business and the use of them.

Officer Comment

I consider that these issues have been responded to throughout the published committee report and I have nothing further to add.

Comments were also raised with regard to the description of development in that the operating business is a tree surgery business not a forestry business as it does not involve the management of woodland.  Description and clarification of the business use is detailed under section 5.2 of the committee report.

In addition to this and with regard to condition 2 of the recommendation, following discussions with the applicant, comments have been raised that the wording of condition 2 restricting the hours of use from 7am to 16:30pm is unreasonable.  This is for the reason that the business does on occasion carry out works some distance away. Therefore, to allow sufficient time for travel returning from places of work, the condition shall be amended to 7am to 17:30pm.  This will therefore ensure that the protection to neighbouring amenity is maintained.

Recommendation
I therefore amend condition 2 as follows:-

The movement of vehicles within the application site shall only take place between the hours of 7am and 17:30pm on Mondays to Saturdays and at no point on Sundays, Bank and Public Holidays without the prior written agreement of the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: To safeguard the enjoyment of their properties by nearby residential occupiers in accordance with policies ENV28 and ENV44 of the Maidstone Borough-Wide Local Plan 2000, policies C4 and CC6 of the South East Plan 2009 and the guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework 2012.