Issue - meetings

The Committee considered the report and the urgent update report of the Head of Planning and Development setting out details of appeal decisions received since the last meeting.  It was noted that the appeal against the Committee’s decision to refuse application 16/505005 (Permanent stationing of two additional mobile homes for the applicant’s dependants – Little Boarden Farm, Boarden Lane, Hawkenbury, Kent) had been allowed with conditions by the Planning Inspectorate.  In addition, a full costs award had been made against the Council.

During the ensuing discussion, reference was made to the provision of Gypsy and Traveller sites, the needs of the local Gypsy and Traveller population and the implications of speculative applications for both the settled and Gypsy and Traveller communities.  It was suggested that this should be addressed as soon as work commences on the Review of the Local Plan (subject to adoption by the Council on 25 October 2017); through duty to co-operate discussions with other Boroughs; and possibly through the Council’s property portfolio.

The Development Manager undertook to circulate the appeal decisions in respect of applications 16/506707 (57-59 Church Street, Tovil) and 16/503947 (3 Hockers Lane, Detling) (both allowed with conditions) to all Members of the Committee for information.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.