Four additional mobile homes at Cherry Tree Stables, Stockbury

“The application site is currently occupied by Gypsy and Traveller accommodation with existing permission for two mobile homes, a tourer and a day room. The site is in the Kent Downs National Landscape. The site is enclosed by established hedgerow and close boarded fence. Access to the site is gained via a track that leads north from West Wood Road.”

“The site is in the ‘Bredhurst to Bicknor North Downs’, character area as defined by Landscape Character Assessment. Key characteristics of this area includes generally undulating chalk ridge and extensive woodland. The landscape character guidelines seeks to improve areas where the condition is poor.”

“24/501236/FULL Siting of 6 additional mobile homes within existing Gypsy and Traveller site (part retrospective). Refused 07.06.2024 for the following summarised reasons: “Due to its design, scale, appearance and cramped layout, the proposal would have a detrimental impact on the character of the site and the wider area resulting in the urbanising and domestication of the current rural landscape (with associated close board fencing, access infrastructure, parked cars, and…”

“18/501646/FULL Change of use of land for the stationing of two mobile homes, two touring caravans and two-day rooms along with the installation of a cesspit. Refused 14.06.2018 for the following summarised reasons: 1) “...unsustainable location and the application has not demonstrated that the additional mobile homes would be occupied by family members falling under the Gypsy status definition, or that personal circumstances pertain to warrant permission for Gypsy and…”

“Objection on the following grounds: • Unsustainable development • Repeated planning breaches • Community cohesion and proportionality • Setting a dangerous precedent • Contravention of the NPPF and PPTS • Adverse effect on AONB (Kent Downs National Landscape)”

“Request the application is reported to the Planning Committee if officers are minded to approve permission.”

“Policy LPRSP15 states that proposals will be permitted where they “Respect the amenities of occupiers of neighbouring properties and uses and provide adequate residential amenities for future occupiers of the development by ensuring that proposals do not result in, or its occupants are exposed to, excessive noise, vibration, odour, air pollution, activity or vehicular movements, overlooking, or visual intrusion, or loss of light to occupiers”.”

“The proposal overcomes the previous reasons for refusal and is acceptable in terms of maintaining the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers and providing adequate amenities for future occupiers of the proposed mobile homes. The proposal is in accordance with policy LPRSP15 of the Maidstone Local Plan Review (2024).”

“That permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report. 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. Voting: 13 – For 0 – Against 0 - Abstentions…”