Report by Mr Kevin Lynes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Mr David Cockburn, Executive Director)
(Mr Geoff Mee was present for this item)
(1) Mr Lynes said that the Kent International Gateway planning application raised a number of important strategic issues and a proposal of this scale would change the character of the surrounding area. The County Council had assessed the proposal against the policies of the Kent and Medway Structure Plan and the South East Plan and as a result of that assessment had already submitted a strong planning objection to the application. Mr Lynes said that the County Council had a responsibility to protect the Kent countryside and he highlighted in particular the main strategic planning objections summarised in paragraph 10 of the Cabinet report. Mr Mee spoke about the strategic transport implications arising from the application and said that overall in his assessment he did not believe the business case to be sound. Although the planning application had already been called in and would now be the subject of a local enquiry, Maidstone Borough Council would nonetheless be determining its view on the application in the near future. Mr Mee said that it was believed that the planning enquiry would get underway some time in September and could last for up to six weeks.
(2) Following further discussion, Mr King proposed, and it was agreed, that the recommendations set out in the Cabinet report be agreed.
(3) RESOLVED:-
(i) that KCC’s objections to the Kent International Gateway planning application, and its appearance at a planning enquiry to oppose the proposal be endorsed;
(ii) the Executive Director, Strategy, Economic Development and ICT be authorised to appoint consultants and counsel as necessary, in consultation with the Cabinet portfolio holder for Regeneration; and
(iii) the creation of a small reserve to manage expenditure fluctuations arising from the appeal process be noted.