Agenda item

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

Mr Lord, an objector, Councillor Dean of Harrietsham Parish Council, and Councillor J Sams (Visiting Member) addressed the meeting.

RESOLVED:  That permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report with (a) the amendment of condition 2 (Materials) and (b) additional landscaping and landscaping implementation conditions as follows:

Condition 2 (Materials) (amended)

The development hereby approved shall not commence above slab level until written details and samples of the materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the building hereby permitted have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority and the development shall be constructed using the approved materials.

Reason:  To ensure a satisfactory appearance to the development.

Additional Conditions

No development shall commence until a landscape scheme designed in accordance with the principles of the Council’s landscape character guidance has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  The scheme shall show all existing trees, hedges and blocks of landscaping on, and immediately adjacent to, the site and indicate whether they are to be retained or removed, provide details of on-site replacement planting to mitigate any loss of amenity and biodiversity value together with the location of any habitat piles, and include a planting specification, a programme of implementation and a 5 year management plan.  The landscape scheme shall specifically address the need to provide hedging (native species) to screen the boundaries and protect the surrounding AONB.

Reason:  In the interests of landscape, visual impact and amenity of the area in the AONB and to ensure a satisfactory appearance to the development.  In addition, previous landscaping requirements have not been adhered to and, in this instance, due to the prominent location in the AONB the Council acknowledges the need for the day room however considers it essential that no development commences until such time as the landscaping scheme is implemented.

No development shall commence until all planting, seeding and turfing specified in the approved landscape details has been completed.  All such landscaping shall be carried out during the first planting season (October to February).  Any seeding or turfing which fails to establish or any trees or plants which, within five years from the first occupation of the day room, die or become so seriously damaged or diseased that their long term amenity value has been adversely affected shall be replaced in the next planting season with plants of the same species and size as detailed in the approved landscape scheme unless the Local Planning Authority gives written consent to any variation.

Reason:  In the interests of landscape, visual impact and amenity of the area and AONB, and to ensure a satisfactory appearance to the development.  In addition, previous landscaping requirements have not been adhered to and, in this instance, due to the prominent location in the AONB the Council acknowledges the need for the day room however considers it essential that no development commences until such time as the landscaping scheme is implemented.

Voting:  6 – For  5 – Against  0 – Abstentions