Agenda and minutes

It was noted that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Chittenden and J A Wilson.

The following Substitute Members were noted:

Councillor Butler for Councillor J A Wilson

Councillor English for Councillor Chittenden

Councillors Mrs Blackmore and McLoughlin indicated their wish to speak on the report of the Head of Planning and Development relating to application MA/13/0693.

Councillor Munford indicated his wish to speak on the report of the Head of Planning and Development relating to application MA/13/1149.

Councillor Newton indicated his wish to speak on the reports of the Head of Planning and Development relating to applications MA/13/0951, MA/13/1149 and MA/13/1523.

There were none.

The Chairman stated that, in his opinion, the update report of the Head of Planning and Development should be taken 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/13/0693, the Chairman stated that he was a resident of the Parish of Marden and knew the applicant.  However, he had no interest in the application, and intended to speak and vote when it was discussed.

With regard to the report of the Head of Planning and Development relating to application MA/13/0693, Councillor Nelson-Gracie stated that he knew the applicant and had participated in pre-application discussions.  However, he had not spoken to the applicant for over a year, and intended to speak and vote when the application was discussed.

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

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the meeting held 9 January 2014 be approved as a correct record and signed.

There were no petitions.

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.

County Councillor Clark, an objector, Councillor Ellis of Boughton Monchelsea Parish Council (against), Mr Tarzey, for the applicant, and Councillors Newton and Munford (Visiting Members) addressed the meeting.

RESOLVED:  That consideration of this application be deferred to allow:

(i)  Further consideration of the draft Heads of Terms for a S106 legal agreement specifically to examine alternative sustainable transport options to mitigate the impact of the development on Sutton Road which are not tied to road widening; and

(ii)  Receipt of a suitable viability assessment to establish whether the development can achieve 40% affordable housing and Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes in accordance with existing and emerging Local Plan policy.

Voting:  9 – For  4 – Against  0 - Abstentions

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

County Councillor Clark, an objector, Councillor Bottle of Otham Parish Council (against), Mr Lander, for the applicant, and Councillor Newton (Visiting Member) addressed the meeting.

RESOLVED:  That consideration of this application be deferred to allow:

(i)  Further consideration of the draft Heads of Terms for a S106 legal agreement specifically to examine alternative sustainable transport options to mitigate the impact of the development on Sutton Road which are not tied to road widening;

(ii)  Receipt of a suitable viability assessment to establish whether the development can achieve 40% affordable housing and Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes in accordance with existing and emerging Local Plan policy; and

(iii)  Negotiation of landscaping to retain as much as possible of the hedgerow and trees to the Sutton Road frontage and to secure provision of defensive planting along the interface between the site and Bicknor Wood.

Voting:  8 – For  4 – Against  1 – Abstention

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

County Councillor Clark, an objector, Ms Ashton, for the applicant, and Councillor Newton (Visiting Member) addressed the meeting.

RESOLVED:  That consideration of this application be deferred to allow:

(i)  Further consideration of the draft Heads of Terms for a S106 legal agreement specifically to examine alternative sustainable transport options to mitigate the impact of the development on Sutton Road which are not tied to road widening; and

(ii)  Receipt of a suitable viability assessment to establish whether the development can achieve 40% affordable housing in accordance with existing Local Plan policy.

Voting:  6 – For  4 – Against  3 – 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.

Mr Witts, an objector, Councillor Mannington of Marden Parish Council (against), Mr Coleman, for the applicant, and Councillors Mrs Blackmore and McLoughlin (Visiting Members) addressed the meeting.

RESOLVED:

1.  That subject to the prior completion of a S106 legal agreement in such terms as the Head of Legal Services may advise to secure the following:

The provision of a minimum of 40% affordable housing;

A contribution for the local NHS Commissioning Board of £248.38 per dwelling towards the improvement of services and facilities at Marden medical centre and Staplehurst medical centre;

A contribution for Kent County Council of £2,360.06 per applicable house and £590.24 per applicable flat towards primary school expansion;

A contribution for Kent County Council of £2,359.80 per applicable dwelling and £589.95 per applicable flat towards the extension of existing local secondary schools to cater for the additional demand for places as a result of this development;

A contribution for Kent County Council of £2,783.56 towards the provision of bookstock and services at the local library to meet the additional demand on the resource;

A contribution for Kent County Council of £4,134.06towards new/expanded facilities and services for adult education centres and outreach community learning facilities in the area;

An Adult Social Services contribution of £2,296.22 for Kent County Councilto be used towards provision of Telecare and the enhancement of local community facilities to ensure full DDA compliant access to clients;

The provision of additional cycle parking facilities at Marden Station;

Details of the provision and subsequent management of the open space (including play area), green and allotment areas within the site; and

A contribution of £700 per dwelling for Maidstone Borough Council Parks and Leisure to be used towards the upgrading of Marden Playing Fields,

the Head of Planning and Development be given delegated powers to grant outline permission subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report as amended by the urgent update report.

2.  That a development delivery steering committee formed of stakeholders including the developer, Maidstone Borough Council Officers, Marden Parish Council, the Marden Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, Ward Members and Councillor Harwood should be established to monitor all aspects of the development.

Voting:  5 – For  3 – Against  5 – Abstentions

Prior to 10.30 p.m., during consideration of application MA/13/0693, the Committee considered whether to adjourn at 10.30 p.m. or to continue until 11.00 p.m. if necessary.

RESOLVED:  That the meeting should continue until 11.00 p.m. if necessary.

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Planning and Development setting out details of appeal decisions received since the last meeting.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted, and that the Officers be congratulated on these results.

The Chairman announced that Chris Hawkins, Principal Planning Officer, would be leaving the Council to take up a new position elsewhere.  On behalf of the Committee he wished to congratulate Mr Hawkins on his appointment and to thank him for his services to the Authority over the years.

6.00 p.m. to 10.35 p.m.