Issue - meetings

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

Councillor Walmsley of Lenham Parish Council, Mr Wilford, for the applicant, and Councillor J Sams (Visiting Member) addressed the meeting.

Contrary to the recommendation of the Head of Development Management, the Committee agreed to refuse permission for the following summarised reasons:

Visual Harm:  Notwithstanding that this is a part brownfield site, the volume of what is proposed compared with the modest structures associated with the existing cattery use together with the associated domestic paraphernalia and lighting etc. would result in harm to the character, appearance and openness of the countryside.  The harm would be exacerbated by the topography and the views from the adjacent Public Right of Way.

Unsustainable Development:  The proposal would result in a more intensive form of development in an unsustainable location.  With the site being a significant distance from basic services and facilities, future occupants would be reliant on car use.

Ecological Impact/Appropriate Mitigation:  The application fails to comprehensively demonstrate the ecological impact of the intensification of the residential use of the site and appropriate mitigation, referencing the adjacent local wildlife site, dark skies and biodiversity net gain.

Nutrient Neutrality:  The application fails to demonstrate appropriate mitigation of harm to the internationally designated Stodmarsh sites due to increased phosphate and nitrate pollution resulting from the introduction of additional dwellings.

RESOLVED:  That permission be refused, and the Head of Development Management be given delegated powers to finalise the reasons for refusal, to include the key issues cited above, and to incorporate the relevant policies.

Voting:  12 – For  0 – Against  0 - Abstentions