Issue - meetings

Mr Balfour was not in attendance for this item.

Sharon Thompson (Head of Planning Applications Group) was in attendance for this item.

1.         Miss Carey gave an overview of the updated Kent Minerals and Waste Safeguarding Supplementary Planning Document. She confirmed that the document constituted supplementary guidance rather than a new Council policy. It was noted that the impetus for the update had been to increase clarity and address issues raised in the public consultation.

2.         Mrs Thompson provided a detailed breakdown of the proposed changes to the document. It was confirmed that 23 representations had been received from: mineral and waste operators; the Environment Agency; Historic England; planning consultants; the Port of London Authority and district, borough and city councils. Members were informed that broad support for the proposed updates and approach to safeguarding had been received from respondents.

3.         Mr Rayner asked whether the proposed clarifications upheld the safeguarding of protected minerals, when built development was considered. Mrs Thompson confirmed that the supplementary planning document did not change KCC’s policy on protected minerals and that priority was still given to safeguarding protected minerals.

4.         Mr Brazier asked whether residential developments would be effectively safeguarded against the negative impact of nearby aggregate handling wharfs. Mrs Thompson reassured the committee that, whilst there was no simple solution, the policies in the document provided an effective mechanism to balance competing interests.

RESOLVED to:

a)         note the summary of the comments received on the consultation draft of the updated Supplementary Planning Document and the Council’s proposed response to them;

b)         note the content of the updated Supplementary Planning Document proposed for adoption;

c)         endorse the proposed decision to adopt the updated Supplementary Planning Document as guidance for the county on mineral and waste safeguarding; and

d)         delegate powers to the Corporate Director for Growth, Environment & Transport to approve any minor modifications to the text of the Supplementary Planning Document, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, which may be needed, in order to publish the Document.