Up to 9 homes at Phipson Croft, High Halstow, Rochester

What was proposed

An outline scheme proposed up to nine dwellings, with appearance and landscaping reserved for later approval.

“Proposal: Outline application with some matters reserved (Appearance, Landscaping) for construction of up to 9 no. dwellings…”

“The proposal seeks Outline application with some matters reserved (Appearance, Landscaping) for construction of up to 9 no. dwellings. Matters relating to Layout, Scale and Access are for consideration as part of this application.”

Officer report

The site

The application concerned an open field beside an existing dwelling, with access close to Sharnal Street, the A228 and Christmas Lane.

“The existing property at Phi[son Croft is a detached dwelling with front and rear gardens. To the north east there is a field bounded by post and rail fencing and it is this field that is the subject of this application. To the south west there are 4 detached dwellings in a linear form fronting on to Sharnal Street.”

“The application proposes to utilise and improve an existing gated access into the field and to construct a new access road into the site from which each dwelling would secure its own access.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The ward councillor supported refusal, highlighting protected habitats, missing environmental assessment and the unpaid Bird Wise contribution.

Committee discussion

Members considered the officer presentation, report, supplementary advice and the ward councillor’s concerns, including the unresolved habitat mitigation undertaking.

“The Service Manager - Development Management, presented the application which sought outline application with some matters reserved (appearance, landscaping) for construction of up to 9 no. dwellings. It was noted that matters relating to layout, scale and access were for consideration as part of this application.”

“The Committee discussed the planning application noting the officer presentation, the report, the supplementary advice sheet and the points raised by the Ward Councillor.”

Minutes

The final decision

The committee refused the application for both reasons set out in the officer report.

“REFUSED for reasons 1 and 2 as set out in the report.”

Minutes