Issue - meetings

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

In presenting the application, the Major Projects Manager advised the Committee that he wished to amend proposed condition 3 (Archaeology) to require that no demolition works shall take place at slab or below slab levels until an archaeological appraisal has been carried out.

RESOLVED:

1.  That permission be granted subject to the conditions and informative set out in the report, with:

  The amendment of condition 3 (Archaeology) to require that no demolition works shall take place at slab or below slab levels until an archaeological appraisal has been carried out;

  An additional condition requiring the submission of details of a scheme for bat mitigation (survey and strategy); and

  Additional informatives advising the applicant what the Committee wishes to see incorporated in the design of the proposed new junction scheme i.e. a high-quality scheme utilising high quality materials; landscaping details which deliver tree planting; and biodiversity net gain.

2.  That the Head of Planning and Development be given delegated powers to finalise the wording of the amended and additional conditions and informatives and to amend any other conditions as a consequence.

Voting:  10 – For  3 – Against  0 – Abstentions

FURTHER RESOLVED:  That a letter signed by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Committee be sent to the appropriate Director and Cabinet Member at Kent County Council explaining the Committee’s expressed wish to:

(a)   see a high-quality new junction scheme utilising high quality materials; landscaping details which deliver tree planting; and biodiversity net gain, to ensure that the amenity of the area is not compromised; and

(b)   be proactively involved in the development of the scheme that comes forward.

The letter should explain the Committee’s requirements in the context of the loss of a landmark building in the heart of a leafy residential neighbourhood and the need for a high-quality scheme to replace it.

Voting:  13 – For  0 – Against  0 - Abstentions