To consider the following applications:

16/505280/OUT – Land at Swale Way, East Hall Farm, East Hall Lane, Sittingbourne

16/507789/FULL – Howt Green, Sheppey Way, Bobbing

Members of the public are advised to confirm with Planning Services prior to the meeting that the applications will be considered at this meeting.

Requests to speak on these items must be registered with Democratic Services (democraticservices@swale.gov.uk or call us on 01795 417328) by noon on Wednesday 1 March 2017.

The Senior Planning Officer reported that the applicant had advised that they had lodged an appeal against non-determination of the application.  The Planning Inspectorate had confirmed that the appeal was received on Tuesday 28 February 2017.  The Senior Planning Officer explained that as such, Members would not be able to determine the application as it was now within the remit of the Planning Inspectorate.  Members were therefore asked for their decision on how they would be minded to determine the application.

The Senior Planning Officer further reported that in respect of the transfer of the community hall land to the Council, this was no longer an option and she had been informed that the transfer was now imminent and that the solicitor had confirmed that the current landowner would not allow the restrictive covenant to be changed to allow a community shop on that land.  However, the landowner had verbally indicated that they may be willing to reconsider this in the future.  The Senior Planning Officer advised that in terms of the planning application, she did not consider the verbal indication from the landowner provided her with the confidence that would be necessary to pursue the option of a community shop on that land.  Therefore, officers recommended that the application be refused.

The Chairman moved the officer recommendation to refuse the application and this was seconded.

Mr Trevor Grain, an objector, spoke against the application.

Ward Members spoke against the application and raised the following points: local residents had been treated in a ‘diabolical’ way; local residents had been waiting 10 years for roads and street lighting to be completed and had been misled; a firm agreement was required from the applicants to build a shop on the application site and if this fails to attract a commercial retailer after marketing, then the shop be handed-over to residents with a three year salary for the manager of the shop; and would only support if the agreed amenities were provided.

Members considered the application and raised points which included: there was a long history of developers not building amenities on housing estates;  the small parade of shops on the Sonora Fields, Sittingbourne estate were always busy; do not accept that a shop would not be viable; officers needed to send back a clear signal to the developer that we are not for moving; the developer needs to agree to provide a shop on the application site and if this fails to attract a commercial retailer after marketing, then the shop be handed-over to residents with a three year salary; who does the developer think they are that they can say no retailer approached so not viable?; the site has been a ‘shambles’ from start to finish; access to the site appalling; and the development of the Northern Relief Road was the responsibility of KCC and Swale Borough Council.

Resolved:  That application 16/505280/OUT would have been refused for the reason set out in the Committee report had an appeal against non-determination not been submitted. 

The Senior Planning Officer drew attention to the tabled officer’s update which had previously been emailed to Members of the Committee.

The Chairman moved the officer recommendation to approve the application and this was seconded.

Mr Thomas Ogden, the Agent, spoke in support of the application.

Members considered the application and raised the following points: applaud the officers and applicant for the detail in relation to condition (10) and am satisfied; concerns about the acoustic fencing which was out-of-keeping with the area; caravans could be viewed from the road; and would like as much soundproofing as required.

Resolved:  That application 16/507789/FULL be delegated to officers to approve subject to conditions (1) to (15) in the report and an amendment to condition (8) to require the building to be finished as set-out within the design and access statement and condition (14) be amended to ensure details of lighting can be provided prior to its installation.