All
Members stated that they had been lobbied.
The
Committee considered the report and the urgent update report of the
Head of Planning and Development.
The
Principal Planning Officer advised the Committee that since the
publication of the urgent update report on 4 September
2018:
·
A letter had been received from the Woodland Trust
expressing support for the Officers’ recommendation that the
application be refused and saying that it was now critical to
ensure that the new National Planning Policy Framework with the new
high bar in relation to ancient woodland is interpreted correctly;
and
·
Representations had been received from Helen
Whately, local Member of Parliament,
supporting the views of Boxley Parish
Council on the application, and expressing concern that no highway
congestion issues had been raised in the proposed reasons for
refusal.
Councillor Davies of Boxley Parish
Council and Mr Moger, for the
applicant, addressed the meeting.
The
Chairman advised the Committee that Councillors B and W Hinder
(Ward Members) were unable to attend the meeting, but had written
to him expressing their support for the Officers’
recommendation that the application be refused.
RESOLVED: That
permission be refused for the reasons
set out in the report.
Voting: 12 –
For 0 –
Against 0 -
Abstentions