76 homes and infrastructure at Milton Place Car Park, Gravesend

What was proposed

The application proposed 76 homes, including 61 apartments and 15 houses, with parking, planting, open-space improvements, new access and retained skatepark.

“This application proposes the construction of 76 dwellings on the site.”

“A reduction in the number of parking spaces in Milton Place car park to 84 spaces. • Provision of parking spaces for the apartment building and dwellinghouses • New tree planting along Milton Place and Ordnance Road. • Provision of open space and landscape improvements. • Improved connectivity across the site with a new entry point along Milton Place. • Retention of the skatepark and landscaped mound.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site included a former BT depot, public car parks, open space and skatepark, beside conservation areas, listed buildings and New Tavern Fort.

“The application site consists of the former BT Depot (car park), Milton Place carpark, the Ordnance Road open space including skatepark, and a layby offering additional parking spaces. Whilst the skate park is included within the redline of the application, no changes are proposed to the skate park itself.”

“To the north lies New Tavern Fort, Gravesend, including Milton Chantry (a Scheduled Ancient Monument), the Riverside Leisure Area and Gordon Gardens, a public green space providing recreational opportunities for residents and riverside promenade with play space and cafe. This is bordered by a number of mature trees. Nearby facilities include Gravesend High Tower School and Chantry Community Academy.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal was considered policy-compliant, subject to the Lewis house layout, conditions and a Section 106 agreement.

“Subject to the finalisation of the internal layout for the Lewis property type, planning conditions and completion of the S106 legal agreement, the proposal is considered to comply with the Development Plan and material considerations, which includes the NPPF.”

“The recommendation is for approval, as set out above. ____________________________________________________________________________”

Officer report

What residents said

Six representations objected to the scale, design, heritage effects, amenity, parking, traffic, open-space loss and air quality.

“Material Planning Considerations • Inappropriate Scale of Development • Overdevelopment • Out of Character and Poor Design • Harmful Impact on Heritage Assets • Impact on Amenity (loss of light, outlook, sense of enclosure, noise and disturbance) • Impact on Parking (reduction in Milton Place carpark) • Increased traffic flow onto Milton Place • Loss of Open Space • Impact on Air Quality…”

“Non-Material Planning Considerations • Loss of Property Value • Loss of View • Objectors personal circumstances • Seek financial compensation if the development goes ahead • Issues with the public consultation…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Registered speakers spoke both for and against the application, followed by the Leader of the Council.

What members debated

Members discussed parking, open-space loss, traffic, the skatepark, landscaping, drainage and whether the design suited the conservation area.

“Members queried whether there would be residential parking. The Head of Planning advised that each dwelling house would have its own parking in addition to the 84 spaces and the 8 spaces for the Independent Living properties. • Following questions relating to flood risk at the nearby promenade, the Head of Planning explained that the applicant had worked with KCC on sustainable urban drainage.”

“The Head of Planning reassured Members that the scheme had been designed to ensure residents were not impacted by the skate park, so complaints were not anticipated. • Members queried the reduction of the public car park and whether this was a concern in terms of the wider parking scheme in the town.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee delegated permission to the Head of Planning, subject to finalising conditions and completing a Section 106 legal agreement.

“RESOLVED that the application be DELEGATED to the Head of Planning to grant Planning PERMISSION subject to the finalisation of planning conditions (including making any necessary modification, deletion or addition to the proposed conditions) and completion of a S106 legal agreement.”

Minutes