Agenda item

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

In presenting the application, the Principal Planning Officer advised the Committee that following publication of the agenda further email comments had been received from an adjacent resident setting out that the site is mainly flat grassland which is regularly mown.  This appearance had not changed from when the site was agricultural land and the site contributes to the local landscape in that way.  The resident considered that the site was probably closer in description to a meadow than a garden.

The Chairman read out a statement which had been submitted by Mr Pollitt (an objector).  Mr Street (agent for the applicant) addressed the meeting by video link.

Councillors Springett and de Wiggondene-Sheppard (Visiting Members) addressed the meeting.

Contrary to the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Development, the Committee agreed to refuse permission.  In making this decision, the Committee considered that the proposed development would be contrary to policy for the following summarised reasons:

(1)  Harm to the setting of the Kent Downs AONB;

(2)  Harmful backland development encroaching into open countryside which is intrusive and urbanising;

(3)  Introduction of domestic paraphernalia, artificial lighting, tarmac etc. which is harmful to the landscape character; and

(4)  Views across the site from Hockers Lane towards open countryside would be lost.

The Development Manager requested that delegated powers be given to the Head of Planning and Development to finalise the reasons for refusal which would include those key issues cited above and those matters raised by the Inspector’s decision letter.

RESOLVED:  That permission be refused and that the Head of Planning and Development be given delegated powers to finalise the reasons for refusal to include those key issues cited above and those matters raised by the Inspector’s decision letter. 

Voting:  13 – For  0 – Against  0 – Abstentions

Note:  Councillor Harwood left the meeting after consideration of this application (9.11 p.m.).