Agenda item

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

Prior to the detailed introduction of the application by the Principal Planning Officer, the Head of Development Management provided a strategic overview of the proposed development including:

·  The national and local planning policy context.

·  The current unmet need for all the proposed uses.

·  The visual impact of the proposed development which could be reasonably well-mitigated in landscape terms by new tree, shrub and woodland planting.

·  The impact on residential amenity.

·  The sustainability of the location.

·  The benefits associated with the scheme including a modern replacement hospice and the enhancement of the existing crossing on Heath Road to a zebra crossing with a reduction in the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph with potential traffic calming measures.

·  The use of S106 and CIL monies for improvements to Linton Crossroads.

Mrs Batt, an objector, Councillor Cresswell of Linton Parish Council, Ms Street of the Heart of Kent Hospice (co-applicant) and Councillors Clark, Kehily and Parfitt-Reid (Visiting Members) addressed the meeting.

During the ensuing discussion the Head of Development Management advised the Committee that as there was still some ambiguity, he wished to amend the recommendation to seek delegated powers in consultation with the local Ward Members and the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Planning Committee to agree the position of the proposed zebra crossing, the specification of the measures to ensure that 30mph speeds are achieved and the associated traffic calming works.

RESOLVED: 

1.  That subject to:

  A.  No representations that raise new material planning matters being received in response to the consultation on the amended description of the application to include related off-site S278 highway works to Heath Road;

  B.  No objections being received from Kent County Council on the highway works required for a controlled crossing on Heath Road and an associated speed limit reduction to 30mph;

  C.  The prior completion of a legal agreement in such terms as the Head of Legal Partnership may advise to secure the Heads of Terms set out in the report, amended as appropriate to maximise the provision of social rent housing for the retirement units, and the prior payment of monitoring fees of £1,759.50 for the first obligation and £879.75 for each additional planning obligation; and

  D.  The conditions and informatives set out in the report, as amended by the urgent update report,

the Head of Development Management be given delegated powers to grant permission and to be able to settle or amend any necessary Heads of Terms, planning conditions and/or informatives in line with the matters set out in the recommendation and as resolved by the Planning Committee.

2.  That delegated powers be given to the Head of Development Management in consultation with the local Ward Members and the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Planning Committee to agree the position of the proposed zebra crossing, the specification of the measures to ensure that 30mph speeds are achieved and the associated traffic calming works.

Voting:  7 – For  6 – Against  0 – Abstentions

Note: 

1.  Chairman’s casting vote in favour of approval.

2.  Having disclosed an interest in this application, Councillor Riordan did not participate in the discussion or the voting.