Issue - meetings

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:

·  Further comments had been received that day stating that insufficient notice had been given before the Planning Committee, but he could confirm that the standard five clear working days’ notice had been given.

·  There was also a late representation regarding a survey not being available.  This was a survey in response to KCC Archaeology which had been consulted and raised no objections.

·  Written confirmation had been received from Highways England earlier that evening stating that it had reviewed the evidence, considered that there is capacity at Junction 7 of the M20 and had removed its objection.

Ms Skipp, an objector, Councillor Hipkins of Otham Parish Council, Councillor Weeks of Downswood Parish Council, Mr Woodhead, for the applicant, and Councillors Newton and McKay (Visiting Members) addressed the meeting.

RESOLVED:

1.  That consideration of this application be deferred for further discussions to:

·  Seek to remove the proposed car park for the Church from the scheme;

·  Seek to (a) amend the Parameter Plan to provide a greater amount of wooded open space at the southern end of the site to protect the Ancient Woodland and create a sustainable open space and (b) to amend conditions 4 and 7 to require woodland planting to restore and protect the Ancient Woodland and enhance the landscaping around the Church;

·  Seek to resolve the outstanding issues relating to improvements to the Willington Street/Deringwood Drive junction;

·  Give further consideration to the impact of the development on the Spot Lane junction and possible mitigation;

·  Investigate the potential widening of Church Road to the south of the site where this would not involve the loss of Ancient Woodland;

·  Seek to optimise the amount of renewable energy generated on site (to avoid use of fossil fuel heating); and

·  Seek further clarification of the surface water drainage scheme and how it can be satisfactorily accommodated within the development layout.

2.  That the Ward Member, Downswood and Otham Parish Councils and the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Political Group Spokespersons of the Planning Committee are to be involved in these discussions.

Voting:  9 – For  0 – Against  2 – Abstentions