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

In introducing the application, the Senior Planning Officer:

·  Sought delegated authority to amend proposed condition 11 (Flood Resistance and Resilience Measures) to include the wider site as it only related to the building itself; and

·  Advised the Committee that an additional representation had been received raising concerns about the safety of the access.  This issue had been addressed in the Committee report, but the applicant could be required to submit sight lines for the access by way of a condition.

Ms Williams, an objector, Councillor Sharp of Staplehurst Parish Council, and Mr Jenner, for the applicant, addressed the meeting.

RESOLVED:  That consideration of this application be deferred to:

·  Seek further arboricultural information on tree removal and the impact of the proposed development on retained trees (if any); and

·  Negotiate with the applicant regarding the submission of an ecological method statement for the dredging of the ditch and pond given the potential to affect protected species.

Voting:   11 – For  0 – Against  0 – Abstentions