Issue - meetings

All Members except Councillor Parfitt-Reid stated that they had been lobbied.

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

Mr Mellor, an objector, Mr Leighton, for the applicant, and Councillor Mrs Blackmore (Visiting Member) addressed the meeting.

During the discussion, the Major Projects Manager advised the Committee that, in his opinion, the erection of the new replacement level crossing gates was permitted development and did not require planning permission.  This application was solely for the demolition and removal of the existing level crossing gates within the Wateringbury Conservation Area.  The Chairman asked the Officers to double-check the situation regarding permitted development rights.

RESOLVED:  That subject to the Officers double-checking the situation regarding permitted development rights, permission be granted subject to the condition and informatives set out in the report with:

(a)  The amendment of informative one to include reference to the disposal of the interlocking mechanisms of the gates and to specify the Kent and East Sussex Railway as a possible recipient (the exact wording to be finalised by the Head of Planning and Development acting under delegated powers); and

(b)  An additional informative regarding the establishment, before works commence, of a working group comprising representatives of Nettlestead, Wateringbury, Teston and Yalding Parish Councils, the local Ward Councillors and the applicant to discuss matters relating to public safety, walkways, lighting, noise and manning of the signal box (the exact wording to be finalised by the Head of Planning and Development acting under delegated powers).

Voting:  10 – For  1 – Against  0 – Abstentions

Note:  Councillor Harwood left the meeting during consideration of this application (9.50 p.m.).