66 homes at Land North Of Drayhorse Meadow, Fields Lane, Wateringbury

“Erection of 66 new homes (including affordable homes), together with associated open space, landscaping, access and parking.”

“Description of Proposal: 1.1 Planning permission is sought for the development of the site to provide 66 dwellings (including 50% affordable) together with associated access, parking, open space and landscaping. The development would deliver a mix of new homes (limited to two storey) comprising of 6 x 1 bed, 24 x 2, 24 x 3, and 11 x 4 bedroom homes.”

“Part 1 Public 3. The Site: 3.1 The application site extends approximately 4.42 ha and is located on the south side of Tonbridge Road 3.2 The site comprises a field which is currently used for horse grazing, alongside some small structures associated with its current use in the north-western corner and timber fencing. The site is currently accessed from Fields Lane. The site is bound by Tonbridge Road to the north and Fields Lane to the west.”

“A stretch of Tonbridge Road to the west (by the junction with Bow Road) is located within an Air Quality Management Area. 4. Planning History (relevant): 4.1 There is no recent relevant history for the site, the only planning history concerns an historic application for residientail developent in 1974. 74/12761/OLD - Refuse - 15 May 1974 Residential development with access. 5.”

“Grey Belt 6.25 In regard to Grey Belt, paragraph 155 (NPPF) states that the development of homes, commercial and other development in the Green Belt should also not be regarded as inappropriate where: a) The development would utilise ‘grey belt’ land and would not fundamentally undermine the purposes (taken together) of the remaining Green Belt across the area of the plan; b) There is a demonstrable unmet need for the type of development proposed; c) The development would be…”

“Part 1 Public encroachment, the definition of Grey Belt is clear that it excludes Green Belt. As such, the site is not located in any of the other assets referred to in footnote 7. Therefore, the next test would be to establish if the parcel of land ‘strongly’ contributes to the Green Belt under purposes a), b), or d) as set out in Paragraph 143 (NPPF). These are: a) To check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas.”

“Consideration of this matter was adjourned until 23 July 2026.”