All
Members except Councillors Butler, Cox and Harwood stated that they
had been lobbied.
The
Committee considered the report and the urgent update reports of
the Head of Planning and Development.
Councillor Buller of Staplehurst Parish Council and Councillor
Perry (Visiting Member) addressed the meeting.
Contrary to the recommendation of the Head of Planning and
Development, the Committee agreed to refuse permission. In making this decision, Members felt that
the development had a significant adverse visual
impact on the conservation area and adjoining listed building
contrary to Submitted Local Plan Modifications Policies SP18, DM1
and DM4, Staplehurst Neighbourhood Plan Policy PW4 and Section 12
of the NPPF.
RESOLVED:
1. That permission
be refused for the following
reason:
The
development has a significant adverse visual impact on the
conservation area and adjoining listed building contrary to
Submitted Local Plan Modifications Policies SP18, DM1 and DM4,
Staplehurst Neighbourhood Plan Policy PW4 and Section 12 of the
NPPF.
2. That the
Officers be requested to approach the applicant to discuss a
suitable alternative boundary treatment.
Voting: 8 –
For
4 – Against 0
– Abstentions