132 apartments at Acorn Wharf, Gas House Road, Rochester

“The Principal Planner outlined the application in detail for the construction of 132 one and two bed apartments in three blocks along with a detached commercial building, cafe with associated landscaping and parking. Construction of a replacement river wall and refurbishment of crane.”

“The Principal Planner brought Member’s attention to the supplementary agenda advice sheet which amended the Bird Mitigation section of the report to state “tariff of £337.49”.”

“Following a question from a Member, the Principal Planner explained that under condition 33, it would be agreed in writing that the Environment Agency would not be responsible for the future maintenance of the river wall and confirmed that would fall to the care of the applicant or their management company.”

“The Principal Planner confirmed that Rochester Riverside had been decontaminated as part of the groundworks. Contamination works were conditioned on this application. The Principal Planner would share the contamination report with Members.”

“The Chief Planning Officer acknowledged that this was one of the most difficult sites to develop, however, this was a good scheme and would make a substantial contribution to the housing supply.”

“The Principal Planner stated a Landscape Management Plan would be submitted which would include all landscaping aspects including the green roof and would be managed by the management company.”

“The Chief Planning Officer explained that the development was not yet at a stage where it could confirm what would go into the commercial units. Once planning permission was granted, the applicant could move forward and market those units.”