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

The Democratic Services Officer read out a statement on behalf of Boughton Monchelsea Parish Council which was unable to be represented at the meeting.

The Democratic Services Officer also read out a statement on behalf of Mr McSweeney, agent for the applicant, as there were connectivity issues.

Contrary to the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Development, the Committee agreed to refuse permission for the following summarised reasons:

·  The proposed conversion of an office to a single dwelling, due to its siting and proximity to neighbouring commercial or agricultural buildings, would result in harm to the amenity of future occupiers by reason of noise, disturbance and vehicular movements contrary to the NPPF and policy DM1 of the Maidstone Borough Local Plan 2017.

·  The application fails to demonstrate that the building is of substantial construction such that a conversion will be possible without significant reconstruction resulting in a new dwelling in the countryside in an unsustainable location harmful to the visual amenity of the open countryside and the Loose Valley Landscape of Local Value contrary to the NPPF and policies SP17, DM1, DM30 and DM31 of the Maidstone Borough Local Plan 2017 and policies RH1 and RH6 of the Boughton Monchelsea Neighbourhood Plan.

RESOLVED:  That permission be refused and that the Head of Planning and Development be given delegated powers to finalise the reasons for refusal, to include the key issues cited above.

Voting:  13 – For  0 – Against  0 – Abstentions

Note:  Councillor M Rose left the meeting after consideration of this application (8.05 p.m.).