Housing at Land At Eastwood Road, Ulcombe, Maidstone

Who spoke

An objector, a representative of the parish council and a representative of the applicant addressed the committee, and a statement was read on behalf of a councillor.

Why the committee refused it

Against officers' recommendation, members found the site was remote from the village centre, within open countryside, and would change the area's landscape character.

“Contrary to the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Economic Development, the Committee resolved to refuse permission. In making the decision, the Committee considered that the site was remote, within open countryside, and did not relate to the existing Ulcombe village centre. The landscape characteristics of the area would be changed by the development including lighting and would be contrary to countryside protection policies.”

Minutes

The reasons for refusal

The committee adjourned to refine its reasons, then refused the application as an urbanising intrusion into the countryside that harmed Ulcombe's rural setting, contrary to local policies.

“The Committee adjourned for five minutes to refine the reasons for refusal with officers including the relevant policies and guidance.”

“The proposed development, by virtue of its scale, layout, and location, together with its domestic paraphernalia and lighting, would result in urbanising development that would appear incongruous with the pattern and grain of development within the site's immediate surroundings.”

Minutes