Winery, visitor centre and hotel at Mount Farm Greenway Forstal, Harrietsham, Maidstone

“MAIN REPORT 1. DESCRIPTION OF SITE 1.01 Mount Farm is located on the northern side of Greenway, Forstal, some 500m to the west of the junction with Greenway Court Road. Within the site there are areas of hardstanding and buildings of varying scale and appearance. The Site is accessed from Greenway.”

“The site is on the edge of the Kent Downs National Landscape (150 metres to the north), there are a number of public footpaths to the north of the site (within the National Landscape), including KH221 and KH273. There is sporadic development in the area, including gypsy sites and a residential caravan park to the south-east of the site: and Greenhills to the south-west (Grade II listed).”

“The proposal replaces poor-quality structures and open storage with sensitively designed buildings and landscaping. The Kent Downs National Landscape Unit supports the scheme subject to conditions on materials and lighting. The development is considered to enhance the site’s visual quality and rural character. Although the site is near several listed buildings, the proposal is considered to improve their setting through better design and removal of unsightly structures.”

“KCC Ecology 5.02 KCC Ecology requested confirmation about the distance of the Ground Source Heat Pumps distance to Ancient Woodland which should exceed 15 metres. Officers have reviewed the plans, and the applicant has confirmed that the distance is greater than 15 metres. Otherwise, there is no objection subject to conditions on: Ecological Mitigation Strategy, Lighting Details, and Ecological Enhancement Measures.”

“[Officer Comment: Amalgamated with condition as requested from MBC Environmental Protection], and, piling methodology. Natural England 5.04 No objection. KCC Flood and Water Management 5.05 No objection subject to conditions for a detailed sustainable surface water drainage scheme and a second condition for a verification report.”

“A. The prior completion of a legal agreement in such terms as the Head of Legal Partnership may advise to secure the Heads of Terms set out in the report, including the requirement for prior payment of monitoring fees of £2,346 in total; and…”