To consider the attached report (Parts 1, 2 and 5).

The Council operates a scheme of public speaking at meetings of the Planning Committee.  All applications on which the public has registered to speak will be taken first.  Requests to speak at the meeting must be registered with Democratic Services (democraticservices@swale.gov.uk or call 01795 417328) by noon on Wednesday 19 June 2019.

PART 1

Reports to be considered in public session not included elsewhere on this Agenda

This item will be considered at the reconvened meeting on Thursday 27 June 2019.

The Area Planning Officer introduced the report and suggested the following amendments to the draft Written Representation:  the Environment Agency had advised that Managed Realignment was more to do with compensatory habitat creation than easing flood risk, so deletion of the last five words from paragraph three was suggested; and in paragraph 19(v), on page 62 of the Committee Report, the word “not” was missing and should be the third word in the second sentence. 

Parish Councillor Alan Stewart, on behalf of Graveney Parish Council, spoke against the application.

Mrs Stewart (on behalf of Graveney Environment Action Team), an objector, spoke against the application.

Hugh Brennan, the Applicant, spoke in support of the application. 

The Chairman moved the officer recommendation to endorse and submit the Council’s response, and this was seconded by the Vice-Chairman.

The Chairman invited Members to ask questions.

A Member raised concern about the removal of the words ‘and ease flood risk elsewhere’, suggested by the officer, and the potential risks of flooding to Faversham.  The Area Planning Officer explained that the principal aim of the alignment was to protect the environmental habitat and not to reduce flood risk. 

A Member raised concern that light pollution from the proposal could cause harm to the local community.  The Area Planning Officer stated that there was no permanent lighting planned for the scheme, only sensor-related security lighting and that he was not aware that it would be lit-up at night.

A Member stated that he had received a response from the developer about timings of traffic movements and he asked for this to be circulated.  He suggested that paragraph 18 of the written representation could be shortened by deleting the final sentence.  He also suggested that paragraph 19 be amended by replacing the word “the Council is particularly concerned” with the word “extremely”.

A visiting Ward Member spoke against the application and welcomed the comprehensive report and response.

A Ward Member who was a member of the Committee, welcomed the officer report and response.  He referred to paragraph (3) on page 58 of the Committee report and made the point that the sea defences breached area would return to salt marsh which was the best way to lock-up carbon in the land.  He considered the loss of that potential should be included in the response.  The Member also drew attention to paragraph (8) which he supported and asked officers whether they would consider including reference to policies EN-1, EN-3 and EN-5, to strengthen the policy.

The Area Planning Officer advised that the Council’s Spatial Planning Policy team were currently looking at the document and would be able to advise on the points raised by the Ward Member. 

Resolved:  That the draft written representation be endorsed and submitted with amendments to the Examining Authority for decision by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

This item will be considered at the reconvened meeting on Thursday 27 June 2019.

PART 2

Applications for which PERMISSION is recommended

This item will be considered at the reconvened meeting on Thursday 27 June 2019.

This item will be considered at the reconvened meeting on Thursday 27 June 2019.

This item was withdrawn by the applicant prior to the meeting.

This item was withdrawn from the Agenda.

This item will be considered at the reconvened meeting on Thursday 27 June 2019.

The Senior Planner reported that the Agent had submitted additional drawings outlining details of tracking for refuse vehicles and fire engines.  The applicant had also submitted an updated landscaping plan which outlined details of planting species and densities.  The Senior Planner explained that the proposed planting consisted of both native and non-native species to support native wildlife such as cherry, juniper and honeysuckle.  The Senior Planner stated that this was acceptable to officers and requested delegation to add a condition listing approved Drawing Numbers including those outlined above.

Sandra Barton, an Objector, spoke against the application.

Alex Allchin, the Applicant spoke in support of the application.

A Ward Member raised concerns.

Councillor Tony Winckless moved a motion for a site meeting.  This was seconded by Councillor Monique Bonney.

On being put to the vote the motion was agreed.

Resolved:  That application 19/500577/REM be deferred to allow the Planning Working Group to meet on site.

Andy Booth, an Objector, spoke against the application.

Patricia Bath, the Applicant, spoke in support of the application.

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

A Member raised concern that the annexe would have no amenity space.

The Senior Planner stated that officers could explore the possibility of amending the application to provide amenity space with the applicant.

On being put to the vote the motion to approve the application was lost.

Councillor Cameron Beart moved the following motion: That the application be delegated to officers to discuss with the applicant the possibility of a larger amenity space being provided for the annexe.  This was seconded by Councillor Elliott Jayes.

On being put to the vote the motion to defer the application was agreed.

Resolved:  That application 19/500577/REM be delegated to officers to discuss with the applicant the possibility of a larger amenity space being provided for the annexe.

PART 5

Decisions by County Council and Secretary of State, reported for information

These items will be considered at the reconvened meeting on Thursday 27 June 2019.

• Item 5.1 – Shurland Farm, Shurland Cottage, High Street, Eastchurch

APPEAL ALLOWED

DELEGATED REFUSAL

• Item 5.2 – 64 School Lane, Lower Halstow

APPEAL DISMISSED

DELEGATED REFUSAL

• Item 5.3 –  Broadoak Farm, Broadoak Road, Milstead

APPEAL ALLOWED

DELEGATED REFUSAL

• Item 5.4 – Uplees Fruit Farm, Uplees Road, Oare

APPEAL DISMISSED

APPEAL AGAINST NON-DETERMINATION