Agenda item

(1)          Mr M J Angell advised the Committee that he had taken part in the development of this proposal in his former capacity as Deputy Cabinet Member for Education.  In order to avoid the perception of pre-determination, he took no part in the decision making for this item. 

 (2)       The Head of Planning Applications Group tabled a Supplementary Information report.  

 (3)       Mr P M Hill was present for this item pursuant to Committee Procedure Rule 2.27 and spoke.

(4)       Mrs J Crickmore-Porter (Tenterden TC), Mrs S Maxwell-Scott and Mr R Evans addressed the Committee in opposition to the proposal. Mr M Leader (West Kent Housing Association) spoke in reply on behalf of the applicants.   

 (5)       On being put to the vote, the recommendations of the Head of Planning Applications Group were carried by 13 votes to 4 with 1 abstention.

(6)       Mr M Baldock requested pursuant to Committee Procedure 2.26 (3) that his vote against the motion be recorded.

(7)       RESOLVED that:-

(a)     permission be granted to the proposal subject to conditions,  including conditions covering the standard  3 year time limit for implementation; the development being carried out in accordance with the permitted details; the development to be used for extra care accommodation only; the submission of details of all materials to be used externally; the submission of details of external lighting; the provision of access, car parking, turning and circulatory space prior to first occupation, and their subsequent retention; the submission of a detailed landscaping scheme, to include replacement tree planting, and boundary treatments which contribute positively to the landscape character, local amenity, and benefit wildlife; tree protection measures, and the development being undertaken in accordance with the recommendations of the Tree Survey; the development being undertaken in accordance with the recommendations of the Ecological Scoping Survey, including ecological enhancements;  the submission of an updated bat emergence survey and updated mitigation strategy/method statement for Bats prior to the commencement of the development; the development meeting the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 and a CO² reduction of 9.2% as set out in the Energy Strategy report accompanying the application; hours of working during construction and demolition being restricted to between 0800 and 1800 Mondays to Fridays and between the hours of 0900 and 1300 on Saturdays, with no operations on Sundays and Bank Holidays; the submission of a construction management strategy, including access, parking and circulation within the site for contractors and other vehicles related to construction and demolition operations; and measures to prevent mud and debris being taken onto the public highway; and

            (b)       the applicant be advised by Informatives that:-

(i)        their attention is drawn to the letter from Public Rights of Way which contains general Informatives regarding works adjacent to and/or on a Public Right of Way. It is also advised that “the granting of planning permission confers on the developer no other permission or consent or right to close or divert any Public Right of Way at any time without the express permission of the Highways Authority”;

(ii)         their attention is drawn to the letter from Highways and Transportation in which it is noted that planning permission does not convey any approval for construction of the required vehicular crossing, or any other works within the highway for which a statutory licence must be obtained. Applicants should contact Kent County Council - Highways and Transportation in order to obtain the necessary application pack;

(iii)         account should be taken of the Environment Agency’s advice relating to water conservation and construction/demolition waste.