Minutes:
Planning Report and Presentation – The Head of Planning Services submitted a report in respect of application PLA83/20 MTB Computer Services MTB House North Farm Road RTW Kent and this was summarised at the meeting by Mrs Marie Bolton, Principal Planning Officer and illustrated by means of a visual presentation.
Updates and additional representation – None.
Registered Speakers – There were 5 speakers that registered in accordance with the Council’s Constitution (Planning Committee Procedure Rules)
Public Objector
· Ms Rosamunde Scott, a local resident.
· Mr Oliver Vernau, a local resident.
· Mr Michael Dunn, a local resident.
Public Supporter
· Mr Sam Bowman, Cook Associates on behalf of the applicant.
Borough Councillor
· Dianne Hill, Southborough and High Brooms spoke in objection to the application.
Matters of Clarification by Officers and Committee Members’ Questions to Officers – Members raised a number of questions and officers confirmed the following:
i. That the parking was to the adopted standard for the location and Kent County Council (KCC) Highways have raised no objections.
ii. Vehicle trip generation was expected to be less than the previous use.
iii. Consideration was given to the fact that this was already an active site where vehicles could visit.
iv. Condition 15 detailed conditions of resurfacing to be submitted and approved.
v. The site was considered to be sustainable given it’s proximity to transport services as well as walking distance to everyday services.
vi. Officers suggested that significant weight should be given to the decision of Planning Committee on the previous application, the inspectors findings on the site and the amendments that had been made since those decisions.
vii. The distance between the proposed properties to the North of Welbeck Avenue and Colebrook Road were outlined.
viii. KCC Highways had raised no objections to the access of Baldwin’s lane.
ix. It was advised that the Fire Service had not been consulted at this stage and this was usual at Planning stage, this would be addressed by Building Control at Building Regulation stage.
x. The Council’s Environmental Protection Officer confirmed that the issues with fumes had been addressed to where they were satisfied to have their objections withdrawn but could not rule out incidences of fugitive emissions.
xi. The Council’s Environmental Protection Officer spoke at length about the noise impact from the development at night, conditions 6 and 7 addressed noise in the report and it was confirmed that the overall scheme conformed to British standards.
xii. In terms of right of access, it was advised that the rights of private land would be unaffected by planning consent.
xiii. It was advised that outdoor space standards varied across Council’s and without them applications would be judged on it’s own merits, the character of the area and type of site.
Committee Member Debate – Members of the Committee took account of the presentations made and raised a number of questions and issues within their discussions. These included:
i. Members felt that this was not an suitable environment for future residents.
ii. The noise impact for residents was acknowledged.
iii. The design of the development was felt to be poor.
iv. Members expressed empathy for residents.
v. It was clear that the reason given for the refusal of the original application had been met and Members must have very clear planning reasons for refusal on this occasion.
Decision/voting – On the basis that members were satisfied that all relevant planning considerations had been covered within the report, a motion was proposed by Councillor Backhouse, seconded by Councillor Bland and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.
RESOLVED – That application PLA83/20 be granted (in line with the officer recommendation to grant subject to the completion of the legal agreement under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) and subject to the plans, conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report.
Supporting documents: