The Committee considered the report of the Head of Development Management.

Councillor Sheppard of Boxley Parish Council, Mr Whitlock, the applicant, and Councillor Hinder, Visiting Member, addressed the meeting in person.

RESOLVED:

1.  That permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report with:

The strengthening of condition 5 (Renewables) to require the provision of a solar PV array on the south-west facing elevation of the garage roof; and

The amendment of condition 4 (Enhancement of Biodiversity) to (a) delete reference to at least one integrated method and widen the range of biodiversity enhancements to be provided integrally and within the curtilage of the dwellinghouse and (b) require ecologically appropriate planting adjacent to the woodland.

2.  That the Head of Development Management be given delegated powers to be able to settle or amend any necessary planning conditions in line with the matters set out in the recommendation and as resolved by the Planning Committee.

Voting:  12 – For  1 – Against  0 – Abstentions

FURTHER RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE LEAD MEMBER FOR PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE:  That clarification be provided in the proposed Design and Sustainability Development Plan Document regarding the design and longevity robustness of ecological measures sought in developments to enable a tougher approach in terms of monitoring.