14-flat apartment building at Land On Site Of Former, 51 London Road, Maidstone

The site and surroundings

The vacant, overgrown site lies above London Road and is surrounded by medical, residential and other multi-storey buildings.

“MAIN REPORT 1. DESCRIPTION OF SITE 1.01 The application site is located to the southwest of London Road within the urban area of Maidstone. The ground levels are gradually elevated above the highway by…”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because revisions addressed the appeal concern about neighbouring amenity and the scheme was otherwise considered acceptable.

“Should permission be forthcoming an S106 agreement will be arranged to address the KCC infrastructure requests which the applicant has agreed to. This will be included in the head of terms. PUBLIC SECTOR EQUALITY DUTY 7.63 Due regard has been had to the Public Sector Equality Duty, as set out in Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010. It is considered that the application proposals would not undermine objectives of the Duty.”

“I have given very high weight to the delivery of more small flats in what I regard as a very sustainable location. With everything considered, the development has overcome the appeal decision with regards to its impact upon the amenity of neighbouring properties, based on the plans submitted. The development is acceptable with regard to the relevant provisions of the Development Plan, the NPPF and all other material considerations such as are relevant.”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

Highways and other consultees raised no objections subject to conditions, while infrastructure contributions and four affordable homes were sought.

“These matters are addressed in the below report, in terms of drainage, as detailed below no objections have been received from KCC Flood and Water Management subject to conditions. In terms of pollution during construction works, the ‘planning system’ accepts that here will be disruption during the construction period of works, this is not a material planning consideration.”

“Specifically, KCC encourages car-free developments in areas with good access to public transport and local amenities, provided that adequate cycle parking and pedestrian infrastructure are in place.”. KCC Infrastructure (Summarised) 6.02 Kent County Council acknowledges that Maidstone Borough Council is now a CIL Authority. However, we set out below the assessed impacts upon County services which cannot be accommodated within existing capacity.”

Officer report

Residents’ objections

Twenty-two representations objected on grounds including parking, privacy, visual impact, drainage, previous refusals, pollution and infrastructure pressure.

“LOCAL REPRESENTATIONS Local Residents: 5.01 22 representations received objecting to the application for the following (summarised) reasons: • Lack of parking provision • Loss of privacy • Visual impact • Drainage issues on site • Previous refusals • Pollution from the development…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor Jeffery, an objector and the applicant’s agent addressed the committee.

The committee’s decision

The committee deferred consideration unanimously to investigate design, landscaping, biodiversity, parking, deliveries, refuse arrangements and car sharing.

“RESOLVED: That consideration of this application be deferred to:”

“Seek further information about how deliveries to the residential block will be managed; turning areas and the arrangements for refuse lorries; and the potential introduction of a car sharing scheme.”

Minutes