Agenda and minutes

It was noted that apologies for absence had been received from Councillor Nelson-Gracie.

It was noted that Councillor Garland was substituting for Councillor Nelson-Gracie.

Councillor Thick indicated his wish to speak on the report of the Head of Planning and Development relating to application MA/12/2276.

MA/13/0870 - ERECTION OF FIRST FLOOR SIDE EXTENSION - 1 EDWIN VILLAS, GOUDHURST ROAD, MARDEN, TONBRIDGE, KENT

The Committee considered the urgent update report of the Head of Planning and Development.  It was noted that this application had been withdrawn by the applicant.

Update Report

The Chairman stated that, in his opinion, the update report of the Head of Planning and Development should be taken as an urgent item because it contained further information relating to the applications to be considered at the meeting.

With regard to the report of the Head of Planning and Development relating to application MA/13/1021, Councillors Ash, Harwood and Paterson stated that they knew the applicant, but they had not discussed the application with him and intended to speak and vote when it was considered.  During consideration of this report, Councillor Chittenden stated that he also knew the applicant, but he had not discussed the application with him and intended to speak and vote.

During consideration of the report of the Head of Planning and Development relating to application MA/13/1107, Councillor Ash stated that he was a Member of Bearsted Parish Council.  However, he had not participated in the Parish Council’s discussions on the application, and intended to speak and vote.

During consideration of the report of the Head of Planning and Development relating to application MA/12/2314, Councillor Harwood stated that he was a Member of Boxley Parish Council.  However, he had not participated in the Parish Council’s discussions on the application, and intended to speak and vote.

RESOLVED:  That the items on the agenda be taken in public as proposed.

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the meeting held on 8 August 2013 be approved as a correct record and signed.

There were no petitions.

Councillor Harwood stated that he had been lobbied.

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

Mr Holland addressed the meeting on behalf of the owners of The Mall Shopping Centre who had objected to the application.

RESOLVED:  Thatsubject to the prior completion of a S106 legal agreement in such terms as the Head of Legal Services may advise to secure the following:

·  A contribution of £140,000 to offset the impact of the development on the Town Centre with £100,000 being used towards public realm improvement projects in the Town Centre and £40,000 to fund the programme of the Maidstone Town Team,

the Head of Planning and Development be given delegated powers to grant permission subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the schedule attached as Appendix One to the report.

Voting:  7 – For  4 – Against  2 – Abstentions

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

Mr Hudson addressed the meeting on behalf of the applicants.

RESOLVED:  That permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report.

Voting:  13 – For  0 – Against  0 – Abstentions

All Members stated that they had been lobbied.

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

Councillor Baxter of Linton Parish Council (against) and Ms Bumby, the applicant, addressed the meeting.

RESOLVED:  That permission be granted subject to the conditions and informative set out in the report.

Voting:  8 – For  1 – Against  4 – Abstentions

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

Councillor Thick addressed the meeting.

RESOLVED:  That permission be granted subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report.

Voting:  10 – For  0 – Against  3 – Abstentions

The Chairman stated that he had been lobbied.

All Members stated that they were lobbied when the application was reported to the Committee on 8 August 2013.

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

Mr Ayling, an objector, addressed the meeting.

RESOLVED:  That permission be granted subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report.

Voting:  12 – For  1 – Against  0 – Abstentions

Councillor Paine stated that he had been lobbied.

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

RESOLVED:  That permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report.

Voting:  13 – For  0 – Against  0 – Abstentions

See Minute 112 above.

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Planning and Development setting out details of appeal decisions received since the last meeting.  The representative of the Head of Planning and Development advised the Committee that he wished to amend the details of the first decision on the list to read:

MA/12/2219 – Erection of 1 No. Dwelling and Associated Works – Land Rear of 85 Boughton Lane, Maidstone – Appeal Dismissed.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

The Chairman announced that:

·  He wished to draw the Committee’s attention to forthcoming training sessions.  Four Members would be attending the Planning Summer School this year.

·  The Local Code of Conduct for Councillors and Officers Dealing with Planning Matters had been amended to take into account the Localism Act and the Officer restructure.  Hard copies were being supplied to all Members and Substitute Members of the Committee.

6.00 p.m. to 7.25 p.m.