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

In presenting the application, the Principal Planning Officer advised the Committee that since the publication of the urgent update report on 24 November 2020, further representations had been received but they did not raise any new material planning issues.

The Chairman read out statements on behalf of Ms Riva, an objector, Staplehurst Parish Council and Mr Blackmore, for the applicant.

Councillor Brice, Visiting Member, addressed the meeting.

RESOLVED: 

1.  That permission be granted subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report with the amendment of condition 10 (External Lighting) to require motion sensor low level lighting in the rear parking area.

2.  That the Head of Planning and Development be given delegated powers to finalise the wording of the amended condition and to amend any other conditions as a consequence.

Voting:  10 – For  2 – Against  0 – Abstentions