Issue - meetings

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

Mr Kinnill, an objector, Mr Carter, on behalf of the North Loose Residents’ Association (against), Councillor Ellis of Boughton Monchelsea Parish Council (in support), Mrs Luscombe, for the applicant, Councillor D Mortimer (Visiting Member) (against) and Councillor Munford (Visiting Member) (in support) addressed the meeting.

Contrary to the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Development, the Committee agreed to refuse permission.  In making this decision, Members felt that the development by virtue of the proposed access road which would bisect a designated ancient woodland and the footways within the buffer zones adjoining the ancient woodland would erode the setting of the said woodland as a landscape feature and result in the loss and deterioration of ancient woodland, where the need for and benefits of the development does not outweigh the loss contrary to advice contained within paragraph 118 of the NPPF 2012.  Members also felt that the provision of 30% affordable housing did not comply with Maidstone Borough Council’s Affordable Housing DPD 2006.

RESOLVED:  That permission be refused for the following reasons:

1.  The development by virtue of the proposed access road which would bisect a designated ancient woodland and the footways within the buffer zones adjoining the ancient woodland would erode the setting of the said woodland as a landscape feature and result in the loss and deterioration of ancient woodland, where the need for and benefits of the development does not outweigh the loss contrary to advice contained within paragraph 118 of the NPPF 2012.

2.  The provision of 30% affordable housing does not comply with Maidstone Borough Council’s Affordable Housing DPD 2006.

Voting:  8 – For  5 – Against  0 – Abstentions

Note:  Councillors Collins, Mrs Gooch and Paine requested that their dissent be recorded.