The Committee considered the report and the urgent update report of the Head of Planning.

Councillor Skinner of Thurnham Parish Council and Mr Blythin, for the applicant, addressed the meeting.

Contrary to the recommendation of the Head of Planning, the Committee agreed that subject to negotiations to achieve a suitable alternative surface to the car park, the Head of Planning be given delegated powers to grant permission subject to a condition relating to timescales.  In making this decision, Members felt that due to the long employment history on this site and the specific nature of the enterprise and its success, there are exceptional circumstances to grant planning permission.  In addition, the applicant is undertaking a Travel Plan and it is successful.

RESOLVED:  That subject to negotiations to achieve a suitable alternative surface to the car park, the Head of Planning be given delegated powers to grant permission subject to the following condition:-

The surface hereby permitted shall be constructed within....months of the date of this permission (the period of time to be 2 or 3 months, depending upon the time of year at which permission is granted).

Reason:  In order to preserve the visual amenity of the countryside in accordance with policy ENV28 of the Maidstone Borough-Wide Local Plan 2000.

Voting:  9 – For  0 – Against  4 – Abstentions