The Committee considered the report and the urgent update report of the Head of Development Management.

When introducing the application, the Principal Planning Officer advised the Committee that KCC Ecology had now withdrawn its objection to the scheme on ecology grounds and was satisfied that the design of the lighting would keep light spillage outside the site to a minimum and would not impact on any of the woodland or pond or any other area of ecological value in the vicinity.

The Democratic Services Officer read out a statement on behalf of Ms Tipples who objected to the application.

Councillor Ash of Staplehurst Parish Council and Ms Easton, for the applicant, addressed the meeting.

During the discussion, Councillor Perry stated that he was a Member of Staplehurst Parish Council.  However, he had not participated in the Parish Council’s discussions on the application and intended to speak and vote when it was considered.

RESOLVED:

1.  That permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report, as amended by the urgent update report, with:

   An additional condition requiring the submission of a landscaping scheme for the written approval of the Local Planning Authority and a landscaping implementation condition.  The landscaping scheme shall comprise native shrub planting between the building, lighting and large pond in the southeast corner of the site.

2.  That delegated powers be given to the Head of Development Management 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:  11 – For  0 – Against  0 – Abstentions