Gypsy or Traveller site at Land South Of Lenham Heath Road, Lenham Heath, Maidstone

The site and surroundings

The countryside site lies south of Lenham Heath Road, with open road views, screening elsewhere, nearby housing and the railway link to the southwest.

“Planning Committee Report 12 February 2026 Relevant planning history No relevant planning history MAIN REPORT 1.DESCRIPTION OF SITE 1.01 The application site is to the south of Lenham Heath Road in the countryside. The site is approximately 2.5km east of the settlement of Lenham and 4.6 km from Harrietsham.”

“The single mobile home is close to the southeast site boundary, approximately 27 metres from the residential property to the west Hillbourne. The touring caravan pitch is located close to the north site boundary. The mobile home has a length of 11 metres, a width of 3.7 metres and a maximum height of 3.7 metres. The mobile home has cladded external finishes, UPVC front door and windows and an artificially tiled roof.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended permission because pitch supply was 2.6 years and the proposal’s adverse impacts would not significantly outweigh its accommodation benefits.

“It is found that the ‘...adverse impacts...’ of the current application (less than significant harm) would not ‘...significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits...” (paragraph 11(d) of the NPPF) in contributing to the supply of accommodation. The presumption in favour of sustainable development applies and paragraph 11(d) of the Framework indicates that permission should be granted.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The assessment considered countryside character, site need, Gypsy status, residential amenity, biodiversity, sustainability and ecology.

“The starting point for assessment of all applications in the countryside is policy LPRSP9. Policy LPRSP9 states that development proposals in the countryside will only be permitted where: a) there is no significant harm to local character and appearance, and b) they accord with other Local Plan policies.”

“The key issues are: • Character, appearance and policy LPRHOU8 • Need and supply of gypsy and traveller sites • Gypsy status • Residential amenity • Biodiversity net gain, sustainability and ecology…”

Officer report

Consultation and local views

One resident supported the application, the parish council objected, and Natural England raised no objection.

“Planning Committee Report 12 February 2026 3.03 National Planning Policy Framework (2024) •Section 2 – Achieving sustainable development. •Section 4 - Decision making •Section 12 – Achieving well designed places 3.04 Supplementary and other planning documents •KCC Parking Standards •National Planning Practice Guidance •Landscape Character Assessment (2013) & Landscape Capacity Study (2015) •Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document (Reg 18b)…”

“Refer to the planning committee if the planning officer recommendation is to grant permission. 5.CONSULTATIONS Natural England •No objection Existing mobile home to be retained…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor Walmsley of Lenham Parish Council addressed the committee, and the applicant’s representative also spoke.

Committee discussion

During the discussion, Councillor Harwood stated that he had been lobbied.

“During the discussion, Councillor Harwood stated that he had been lobbied.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee granted permission by 10 votes to 1, with two abstentions.

“That permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report with the amendment of condition 7 (Site Development Scheme) to require chestnut spar fencing to protect the proposed native hedging along the boundary with Hillborne and ensure proper enclosure.”

“That the Head of Planning and Economic Development be given delegated powers to be able to settle or amend any necessary planning conditions and/or informatives in line with the matters set out in the recommendation and as resolved by the Planning Committee.”

Minutes