The Committee considered the report of the Head of Planning and Development.

The Chairman read out a statement on behalf of Ms Bayliss, Clerk to Boxley Parish Council.

RESOLVED:  That consideration of this application be deferred to enable the Officers to seek to secure:

A more detailed and improved Woodland Management Plan taking into account the suggestions made by Boxley Parish Council in its representations to the Committee and including not just the woodland but also the spatial edges and brushwood areas;

More information relating to the funding arrangements being adequate to deliver the Woodland Management Plan cross-referencing the obligations in the unilateral undertaking;

More dormouse bridges and an underpass for wildlife;

Insect bricks in end walls adjacent to the public highway/public footpaths and bug hotels in the natural areas;

Wildlife friendly boundary treatments including gaps for hedgehogs;

Deadwood piles to provide wildlife habitats;

More bird/bat boxes in standard trees at a reasonable height; and

No Sycamore trees within planting schemes.

Voting:  11 – For  0 – Against  0 – Abstentions

Note:  Having stated that she was a Member of Boxley Parish Council’s Environment Committee, Councillor Brindle did not participate in the discussion or the voting on this application.