Up to 100 homes at Blackthorn Farm, Meopham, Gravesend

Earlier planning history

A previous screening opinion for residential development found that an environmental impact assessment was not required.

“Reference Description Decision Decision Date 20250314 Request for a screening opinion in accordance with The Town and Country Planning Act (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 in respect of the residential development proposal at Blackthorne Farm, Culverstone Green, Meopham. EIA Not Required 30.04.2025”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke in favour, while a local resident, a Meopham Parish Council representative and another local resident spoke against.

Members’ concerns

Members discussed infrastructure, schools, doctors, water supply, local facilities, public transport, the emerging plan, affordable housing and environmental improvements.

“The Chair invited further discussion by the Committee:”

“Members felt better infrastructure was needed in regard to school provision, doctors and a better water supply. • It was felt the site was not in a sustainable location in terms of local amenities and sustainable transport. • It was highlighted that the site was not marked as an area for development within the emerging Local Plan. It was suggested that for this reason, the applicant had chosen to appeal under non determination.”

Minutes

The committee’s resolution

Members resolved that they would have refused permission and authorised the Head of Planning to finalise conditions, informatives and the appeal agreement.

“RESOLVED that Members would have resolved to REFUSE planning permission for the following reasons:”

“That the Head of Planning be given delegated authority to agree conditions, informatives and finalise a s.106 agreement as part of the process of defending this appeal.”

Minutes

Reasons for refusal

The stated reasons were Green Belt harm, an unsustainable location and insufficient physical and social infrastructure for the proposed homes.

“The proposed development would be inappropriate by definition. It would cause substantial harm to the Green Belt’s openness and in the absence of very special circumstances to clearly outweigh the potential harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, or any other harm resulting from the proposal.”

“The proposed development, by virtue of the increase in the number of dwellings, would place additional demand on existing physical and social infrastructure that is insufficient to accommodate the scale of development proposed. The proposal would therefore give rise to an unacceptable burden on local infrastructure, to the detriment of both existing and future residents.”

Minutes