36 homes at Land At East Hill, Chatham

What was proposed

Phase 2 proposed 36 homes with access, parking, landscaping, open space, infrastructure and earthworks as part of a wider development.

“Phase 3: Reserved Matters application for Phase 3 for the construction of 263 dwellings including houses, apartments, convenience store together with associated access, parking, landscaping, open space, infrastructure and earthworks pursuant to Outline application MC/19/0765.”

“Phase 4: Reserved Matters application for Phase 4 for the construction of 198 residential units including affordable housing together with associated access, parking, landscaping, open space, infrastructure and earthworks pursuant to Outline application MC/19/0765.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the homes, open space, landscaping, access and wider effects were considered acceptable and policy compliant.

“It is considered that the proposed Phase 2 reserved matters application forms part of a wider development that has a significant impact on the wider area of Medway. The proposed building of 36 homes with associated car parking, open space and landscaping and infrastructure within this phase will be a suitable development within this area and will result in a development that will sit comfortably within the wider residential area and have an acceptable impact on landscape…”

“The principle of the proposal has been considered against Policy and the proposal has been considered in relation to impact on neighbours, landscape and access and the more general area and it is concluded that the provision of these residential units here and associated open space are acceptable in relation to Policies BNE1, BNE2, BNE6, BNE7, H1, H3, H4, H10, T1, T3 and T4 of the Medway Local Plan (2003) and relevant paragraphs of the National Planning Policy Framework…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Consultees raised requirements about security, utilities and tree planting, while ecology advice welcomed additional open space and native planting.

“Kent Police have requested that the developers consult the Designing out Crime Officers to address CPTED and incorporate Secured by Design as appropriate. Site security is required for the construction phase. There is a duty for the principal contractor “to take reasonable steps to prevent access by unauthorised persons to the construction site” under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007.”

“KCC Ecology have compared the proposed layout in conjunction with the illustrative layout submitted with the original application and note that the layout has resulted in an increase area of open space in the east of the site which will benefit biodiversity. The submitted planting plans have confirmed native species planting will be incorporated into the open space.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Three neighbouring residents objected over traffic, missing healthcare services, green-space loss, wildlife habitats, woodland protection and changes to the area.

“Increased traffic – already busy area Lack of GP and Dentist Loss of green space Habitats for wildlife being lost. Need to protect woodland. Changing area beyond recognition…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Principal Planner presented the application and explained that discussions about the school site were continuing.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application with conditions 1 to 6 for the reasons stated in the report.

“Approved with conditions 1 to 6 as set out in the report for the reasons stated in the report.”

Minutes