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

In the absence of a written representation from Broomfield and Kingswood Parish Council, the Chairman read out a statement on behalf of Mr Taylor, a local resident in support of the application.

The Chairman also read out a statement on behalf of Mr Przyjemski, agent for the applicant.

During the discussion, the Development Manager advised the Committee that a Section 106 Unilateral Undertaking had been completed and signed to ensure that the original dwelling is demolished on completion of the replacement dwelling.

Contrary to the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Development, the Committee agreed to grant permission subject to conditions and informatives to be settled by the Head of Planning and Development in consultation with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Political Group Spokespersons of the Planning Committee.

In making this decision, Members considered that the proposed replacement dwelling would not result in a development which would be visually harmful to the character and appearance of the countryside and, together with the additional landscaping to the frontage, would not conflict with, principally, policy DM32 of the Maidstone Borough Local Plan 2017.

RESOLVED:  That permission be granted subject to conditions and informatives to be settled by the Head of Planning and Development in consultation with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Political Group Spokespersons of the Planning Committee; the key conditions/informative to include:

Conditions

Woodland management plan for a minimum period of ten years;

Lighting – details to be submitted and then no additional lighting;

Biodiversity enhancements to include bird, bat and bee bricks and gaps under fencing to allow movement of wildlife;

Renewables to include water management system and air/ground source heat pumps;

Electric vehicle charging points; and

SUDS scheme.

Informative

Advising the applicant that a Tree Preservation Order will be made to protect the woodland landscaping to the front of the site following its implementation.

Voting:  8 – For  3 – Against  0 – Abstentions