Issue - meetings

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

Mr Hill, the Clerk to Bredhurst Parish Council, addressed the meeting in person.

Ms Hood, the applicant, addressed the meeting in person.

Councillor Hinder (Visiting Member) addressed the meeting in person.

The Head of Planning and Development emphasised that the fundamental principle in relation to the assessment of this application was that there should be no harm to the character and appearance of the countryside, and the value placed was very high as the application site was in the AONB.  The proposal would cause clear harm to the character of the countryside because a house had a very different character to a stable block.  It would not be invisible in the countryside.  Planning decisions should be made in accordance with the Development Plan having regard to the material planning considerations.

During the discussion, it was pointed out that the reference to Boxley Parish Council in section 5 of the report relating to consultations should be amended to refer to Bredhurst Parish Council.

Contrary to the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Development, the Committee agreed that subject to the application being advertised as a departure from the Development Plan if necessary and no objections being received by the expiry of the public consultation period, the Head of Planning and Development be given delegated powers to grant permission and to settle appropriate conditions to include those mentioned by Members during the discussion.  In making this decision, Members did not consider that the proposal would have a harmful impact on the countryside or the AONB subject to the imposition of conditions to ensure that it is acceptable and in accordance with policy.

RESOLVED:  That subject to the application being advertised as a Departure from the Development Plan if necessary and no objections being received by the expiry of the public consultation period, the Head of Planning and Development be given delegated powers to grant permission and to settle appropriate conditions to include those mentioned by Members in the discussion relating to:

Materials; the turning head/car parking area; landscaping in general but boundary treatments in particular with a 10-year replacement period; renewables; biodiversity enhancements (bat tubes etc.); and lighting appropriate to the AONB.

Voting:  8 – for  1 – Against  1 – Abstention