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

Councillor Mrs Gooch (Visiting Member) read out a statement on behalf of Teston Parish Council.

Mr Hawkins, agent for the applicant, addressed the meeting by video link.

Councillor Mrs Gooch (Visiting Member) addressed the meeting.

The Development Manager suggested that if Members were minded to give delegated powers to the Head of Planning and Development to grant permission, condition 1 (Permitted Development) should be amended to refer to Class A of Part 2 of Schedule 2 as well.

RESOLVED:

1.  That subject to:

  A.  The prior completion of a legal agreement in such terms as the Head of Legal Partnership may advise to secure the Heads of Terms set out in the report; and

  B.  The conditions set out in the report, as amended by the urgent update report and by the Development Manager at the meeting, and the additional condition set out in the urgent update report with:

  The amendment of condition 2 (External Lighting) to specify that the only external lighting shall be a porch light;

  The amendment of condition 3 (ii) (Landscaping Scheme) to specify that (a) the hardstanding shall be replaced by a wildflower meadow instead of grass; (b) the landscaping scheme shall include larger trees such as Lime/Oak; and (c) the proposed Cobnut Plat shall comprise Kentish Cobnut trees;

  The amendment of condition 4 (Implementation of Landscaping Scheme) to refer to a ten-year maintenance scheme;

  An additional condition requiring the incorporation of biodiversity enhancements within the development (bird boxes (with provision for owls), bat tubes and bee bricks etc.);

  An additional condition requiring the installation of Solar PV on the south facing roof slope or an alternative form of renewable energy generation within the development; and

  An additional condition requiring the provision of an electric vehicle charging point,

  the Head of Planning and Development be given delegated powers to grant permission and to settle, add or amend any necessary Heads of Terms and planning conditions in line with the matters set out in the recommendation and as resolved by the Planning Committee.

2.  That the details to be submitted pursuant to condition 3(ii) (Landscaping Scheme) are to be agreed in consultation with Ward Members and the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Political Group Spokespersons of the Planning Committee.

Voting:  8 – For  4 – Against  0 – Abstentions