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

The Officers explained that most elements of the application were retrospective although the proposed mitigation screening had not been installed.

Councillor Springett (Visiting Member) read out a statement on behalf of Mr and Mrs Eaton who objected to the application.

Mr Bax, for the applicant, and Councillor Springett (Visiting Member) addressed the meeting.

Members raised no objection to most elements of the application, namely the garage conversion, gazebo and orangery, but did not support the extended decking area.  It was considered that without adequate screening, the extended decking area, by virtue of its rearward projection and height, results in a loss of privacy to No.9 Nethermount.  The proposed privacy screen by virtue of its height in relation to the neighbouring site, position on the boundary and incongruous materials would be overbearing resulting in a loss of amenity contrary to Policy DM1 of the adopted Maidstone Borough Local Plan 2017.

RESOLVED: That permission be refused and that the Head of Planning and Development be given delegated powers to finalise the reason for refusal to include the key issues cited above and to add an informative advising the applicant that the other elements of the application would be acceptable if submitted separately.

Voting:  13 – For  0 – Against  0 - Abstentions