Issue - meetings

All Members stated that they had been lobbied.

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

Mr Griffiths, an objector, Mrs Day of the North Loose Residents’ Association, Mr Hawkins, for the applicant, and Councillor Mortimer (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 by virtue of the number of units proposed and with limited scope for structural landscaping, the proposal would result in a cramped form of development which would have an unacceptable impact on the character and appearance of the area contrary to policy DM11 of the Maidstone Borough Local Plan 2017, policy HD1 of the North Loose Neighbourhood Development Plan (2016) and the Loose Road Character Area Assessment Supplementary Planning Document (2008).

RESOLVED:  That permission be refused for the following reason:

By virtue of the number of units proposed and with limited scope for structural landscaping, the proposal would result in a cramped form of development which would have an unacceptable impact on the character and appearance of the area contrary to policy DM11 of the Maidstone Borough Local Plan 2017, policy HD1 of the North Loose Neighbourhood Development Plan (2016) and the Loose Road Character Area Assessment Supplementary Planning Document (2008).

Voting:  12 – For  0 – Against  1 - Abstention

Arising from the Committee’s consideration of this application, the Chairman said that he would liaise with the Vice-Chairman regarding the inclusion of an item on the agenda for a future meeting of the Strategic Planning, Sustainability and Transportation Committee regarding the need to address the growing demand for homes suitable for people over 55 years and the additional care needs of people generally.