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

Councillor Verrall addressed the meeting in support of the application.

RESOLVED:  That permission be refused for the reason set out in the report amended as follows:-

The change of use of land to domestic garden due to its size and intrusion into the adjoining agricultural field results in harm to the character and appearance and biodiversity interests of the countryside hereabouts contrary to policies ENV28 and H31 of the Maidstone Borough-Wide Local Plan 2000, policies CC6 and C4 of the South East Plan 2009, PPS7 and PPS9.

Voting:  10 – For  1 – Against  1 – Abstention

Note:  Councillor English left the meeting during consideration of this application.  He returned shortly afterwards, but did not participate further in the discussion or voting on the application.