All Members except Councillors Butler and Paterson stated that they had been lobbied.

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

Miss Caleno, on behalf of Mr Kelsey (an objector), and Councillor Greenhead of Downswood Parish Council (against) addressed the meeting.

RESOLVED:  That permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report, as amended by the urgent update report, and the following additional condition:-

The development shall not commence until details are submitted to the Local Planning Authority for approval showing the existing trees to be retained within the site that would offer screening to the development hereby permitted.  Thereafter, upon approval of the details, no trees shown to be retained shall be cut down, uprooted or destroyed, nor shall any retained tree be topped or lopped other than in accordance with the approved plans and particulars, without the prior written approval of the Local Planning Authority.  If any retained tree is removed, uprooted, is destroyed or dies, within 5 years, then a replacement tree shall be planted and that tree shall be of such size and species, and shall be planted at such time and in a position to be agreed with the Local Planning Authority, as may be specified in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason:  To ensure a satisfactory setting and external appearance to the development in the interests of visual amenity, in accordance with policy ENV6 of the Maidstone Borough-Wide Local Plan 2000 and advice contained within PPS1 and PPG8.

Voting:  7 – For  3 – Against  1 – Abstention