Councillors should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves or their spouse, civil partner or person with whom they are living with as a spouse or civil partner.  They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

The Chairman will ask Members if they have any interests to declare in respect of items on this agenda, under the following headings:

(a)          Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPI) under the Localism Act 2011.  The nature as well as the existence of any such interest must be declared.  After declaring a DPI, the Member must leave the meeting and not take part in the discussion or vote.  This applies even if there is provision for public speaking.

(b)          Disclosable Non Pecuniary (DNPI) under the Code of Conduct adopted by the Council in May 2012.  The nature as well as the existence of any such interest must be declared.  After declaring a DNPI interest, the Member may stay, speak and vote on the matter.

(c)          Where it is possible that a fair-minded and informed observer, having considered the facts would conclude that there was a real possibility that the Member might be predetermined or biased the Member should declare their predetermination or bias and then leave the room while that item is considered.

Advice to Members:  If any Councillor has any doubt about the existence or nature of any DPI or DNPI which he/she may have in any item on this agenda, he/she should seek advice from the Director of Corporate Services as Monitoring Officer, the Head of Legal or from other Solicitors in Legal Services as early as possible, and in advance of the Meeting.

No interests were declared.

10am – 2.2 15/508144/FULL 6 Sheerstone, Iwade, Kent, ME9 8RN

The Chairman welcomed the applicant, the applicant’s agent, a representative from Iwade Parish Council and one member of the public to the meeting.

The Planner introduced the application which sought planning permission for a two storey, two bedroomed dwelling.  This would be attached to No. 6 Sheerstone.  The property would be orientated away from No.6, and face the highway at a similar angle to Nos. 2 and 4.  The Planner outlined the dimensions of the proposed dwelling.  It would measure 7.8 metres in width along the stepped front elevation and 3.6 metres in width at the rear of the property.  The property would be 8.8 metres in depth, 5 metres to the eaves and 7.8 metres in overall height with a pitched roof.  The Planner reported that the front of the property would comprise of hardstanding and a landscaped garden; the hardstanding would be 12.6 metres in depth, and it would continue adjacent to the proposed property.  There would be provision for 3 cars within the curtilage of the proposed property.  The Planner explained that the amenity space to the rear of No. 6 would be halved to provide amenity space for the proposed property; this would be approximately 27 metres in length and 6.6 metres in width, tapering inwards towards the rear of the garden.

Mr Hadley, the applicant’s agent, spoke in support of the application.  He acknowledged that there had been some concern from local residents  with parking in the area, some of which was from local businesses.  He stated that Kent County Council Highways and Transportation had been happy with the parking arrangements and the 3 spaces on the site were above the standard required for a property of this size.  Mr Hadley also stated that there was a variety of house types in the surrounding area.

A representative from Iwade Parish Council explained that parking in the area was a daily problem, and this was from local residents, not local businesses.  He raised concern as to whether three cars could park on the hardstanding in front of the proposed property.

In response to a query from a Member (also a Ward Member), the Planner showed where the parking would be.

Members then toured the site with officers.