Issue - meetings

All Members stated that they had been lobbied.

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

Mr Witts, an objector, Councillor Mannington of Marden Parish Council (against), Mr Coleman, for the applicant, and Councillors Mrs Blackmore and McLoughlin (Visiting Members) addressed the meeting.

RESOLVED:

1.  That subject to the prior completion of a S106 legal agreement in such terms as the Head of Legal Services may advise to secure the following:

The provision of a minimum of 40% affordable housing;

A contribution for the local NHS Commissioning Board of £248.38 per dwelling towards the improvement of services and facilities at Marden medical centre and Staplehurst medical centre;

A contribution for Kent County Council of £2,360.06 per applicable house and £590.24 per applicable flat towards primary school expansion;

A contribution for Kent County Council of £2,359.80 per applicable dwelling and £589.95 per applicable flat towards the extension of existing local secondary schools to cater for the additional demand for places as a result of this development;

A contribution for Kent County Council of £2,783.56 towards the provision of bookstock and services at the local library to meet the additional demand on the resource;

A contribution for Kent County Council of £4,134.06towards new/expanded facilities and services for adult education centres and outreach community learning facilities in the area;

An Adult Social Services contribution of £2,296.22 for Kent County Councilto be used towards provision of Telecare and the enhancement of local community facilities to ensure full DDA compliant access to clients;

The provision of additional cycle parking facilities at Marden Station;

Details of the provision and subsequent management of the open space (including play area), green and allotment areas within the site; and

A contribution of £700 per dwelling for Maidstone Borough Council Parks and Leisure to be used towards the upgrading of Marden Playing Fields,

the Head of Planning and Development be given delegated powers to grant outline permission subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report as amended by the urgent update report.

2.  That a development delivery steering committee formed of stakeholders including the developer, Maidstone Borough Council Officers, Marden Parish Council, the Marden Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, Ward Members and Councillor Harwood should be established to monitor all aspects of the development.

Voting:  5 – For  3 – Against  5 – Abstentions