Eight dwellings at Foster Street Clinic, Maidstone

The site and surroundings

The vacant former clinic site is in an urban town-centre setting beside flats, a day centre, homes and a mechanics business.

“Planning Committee Report 18 th December 2025 77/1661 - Continued use of extension as dental workshop and chiropody unit - No Objection 07.03.1978 MAIN REPORT 1.0 DESCRIPTION OF SITE 1.01 The site is located on Foster Street, Maidstone and the existing building was formerly in use as Foster Street Clinic but it is now vacant. The existing site comprises a one / two storey clinic building finished in red brick.”

“These buildings also vary in their materiality being predominantly finished in stock brickwork, with some buildings finished in render and red brick. For the majority of Foster Street there is only streetside parking available. The site is within the defined town centre of Maidstone and the site falls within Flood Zone 1. PROPOSAL 2.01 The proposal comprises 8 dwellinghouses, arranged into 4 semi-detached pairs.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the site was sustainable, the design respected the streetscape, and the homes would provide acceptable amenity, parking and environmental benefits.

“Applying the tilted balance as per paragraph 11d of the NPPF the application site is in a sustainable location and would provide eight new dwellings in a location where the LPA seeks to direct new development. In terms of character and appearance, the scheme demonstrates a high-quality design that respects the surrounding streetscape through appropriate scale, massing, and architectural detailing. Conditions will ensure material quality and design integrity.”

“Planning Committee Report 18 th December 2025 and biodiversity enhancements will deliver significant net gains, with conditions securing long-term management 7.05 Overall, the proposal accords with the spatial strategy, delivers well-designed homes, and meets amenity and environmental standards. Subject to recommended conditions, the development is considered acceptable and would make a positive contribution to housing supply and urban regeneration.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent addressed the meeting on behalf of the applicant.

Committee consideration

The committee considered the application and an urgent update report before making its decision.

“The Committee considered the report and the urgent update report of the Head of Planning and Economic Development.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted subject to the report’s conditions and informatives as amended by the urgent update report, with delegated powers for related changes.

“That permission be granted subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report as amended by the urgent update 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.”

Minutes