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

In introducing the application, the Planning Officer advised the Committee that he wished to clarify that although the report referred to Councillor Harwood objecting to the proposal, he had not written specifically objecting to the development, only raising concerns about it.

In the absence of a representative of Boxley Parish Council and with the Chairman’s agreement, Mr Lott, a local resident and Trustee of the Vinters Valley Park Trust, addressed the meeting in support of the proposed development.

The Democratic Services Officer read out a statement on behalf of Mr Shorter, for the applicant, who was unable to address the meeting remotely due to connectivity issues.

Councillor Hinder (Visiting Member) addressed the meeting remotely.

RESOLVED:

1.  That permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report with an additional condition requiring details of a management plan for the long-term maintenance of the lagoonsincluding regular testing of water quality.

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

Voting:  8 – For  4 – Against  1 – Abstention

Note:  Councillor Harwood requested that his dissent be recorded.