Issue - meetings

1.  That the Officer responses to the representations submitted during public consultation on the draft Maidstone Borough Local Plan 2014 for policy RMX1 retail and Mixed Use Allocations, set out in Appendix I of the report dated 18 August 2015 be approved.

2.  That the amendments to Policy RMX1 set out in Appendix II of the report dated 18 August 2015 be approved for incorporation into the Regulation 19 version of the Maidstone Borough Local Plan with the addition of the words ‘and/or smaller units in a variety of formats’  to the end of the sentence ‘This could include a large foodstore’ RMX1(2) Maidstone East & Maidstone sorting office.

The Committee was advised that the report included details of the representations made to the Mixed Use Allocation policies in the draft Local Plan which went to Regulation 18 consultation in March 2014, together with the responses and proposed changes to be approved for inclusion in the Regulation 19 consultation in early 2016.  Included in the papers was the urgent update from 18 August 2015, a letter from the Chief Executive of Gallagher Properties Ltd regarding Eclipse Park, which was already designated in the Local Plan as an important employment site.

The Committee heard there were minor changes to the Newnham Court site with regard to replacement landscaping.

The Committee was informed that the Springfield site was highly sustainable and all the original mill buildings would be protected through policy criteria together with the setting and trees.

The Committee discussed the Maidstone East/Royal Mail site and heard it was a difficult site which needed to provide significant retail space as it was in the Town Centre.  The access and parking needs created by the development of this area were a concern and it was suggested that a variety of smaller retails units be included as part of the development.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the Officer responses to the representations submitted during public consultation on the draft Maidstone Borough Local Plan 2014 for policy RMX1 retail and Mixed Use Allocations, set out in Appendix I of the report dated 18 August 2015 be approved.

Voting:  For:  9

2.  That the amendments to Policy RMX1 set out in Appendix II of the report dated 18 August 2015 be approved for incorporation into the Regulation 19 version of the Maidstone Borough Local Plan with the addition of the words ‘and/or smaller units in a variety of formats’ to the end of the sentence ‘This could include a large foodstore’ RMX1(2) Maidstone East & Maidstone sorting office.

Voting:  For:  8  Against:  0  Abstain:  1