Issue - meetings

Councillors Paine, Round and Mrs Stockell stated that they had been lobbied.

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

Mr Taylor, an objector, Mr Edmed, for the applicant and Councillor Thick (Visiting Member) addressed the meeting.

RESOLVED: 

1.  That permission be granted subject to the conditions and informative set out in the report, as amended by the urgent update report, and the following amended wording to Condition 8 and additional informatives:

Condition 8

The planting proposed in the Landscape and Visual Assessment (Ref JE/10933) and the Specification for Soft Landscape and Maintenance Works (dated August 2015) shall be adhered to. Details of the additional planting must be submitted within three months of this permission. This additional native planting proposed shall be in line with the principles of the Maidstone Landscape Guidelines and will include infill planting to any gaps to the existing hedgerow to the northern and southern boundaries of Field 1. It will also incorporate additional planting to the western boundary of Field 10, adjacent to the boundary with Walnut Tree Cottage (Grade II*).

The additional planting scheme shall also include a physical barrier to provide a 12 m buffer to the Ancient Woodland to the  North Eastern boundary and a semi-natural landscaped buffer to the adjoining properties in Morry Lane.

All planting shall be carried out in the first planting season following this permission (or such other period as may be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority) and any trees or plants which within a period of 5 years from the completion of the development die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species, unless the Local Planning Authority gives written consent to any variation.

Reason: To ensure that the proposed development is satisfactorily integrated with its immediate surroundings and provides for adequate protection of trees.

Additional Informatives

The landscaping details pursuant to condition 8 should include a semi natural area being fenced off, for example through the use of chestnut spile fencing to provide a 12m buffer to the North Eastern boundary and adjoining properties in Morry Lane.

  The applicant is encouraged to work together with KCC Highways regarding the maintenance of the roads to prevent damage from run-off.

2.  That the landscaping details must be agreed in consultation with Ward Members. 

Voting:  9 – For  3 – Against 1 - Abstention