18 homes and parking at Land Adjoining No.44 Gladstone Road, Maidstone

What is proposed

The scheme would demolish existing buildings and provide 18 dwellings across three parts of the site, with associated parking.

“The proposals are for the demolition of all buildings at the site and new development providing a total of 18 dwellings summarised as follows for each part of the site:”

“Gladstone Road: A two storey detached house with 2 parking spaces.”

Officer report

The site

The previously developed site comprises a car park, commercial buildings and a warehouse within the Maidstone urban area.

“Parcel 1 is around 5m higher and there are retaining wall structures with a steep drop down to Parcel 2. Parcel 1 is within a residential street with houses either side and opposite. Parcel 2 is bounded by a two storey martial arts club to the east, single storey commercial buildings to the west, and houses at a higher level on Gladstone Road to the north.”

“The site is previously developed land within the Maidstone urban area and is not subject to any designations apart from being within the ‘low value zone’ for affordable housing which is discussed in the assessment.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications included an approved replacement warehouse and outline housing applications that were allowed or dismissed at appeal.

“07/0202 Creation of a replacement warehouse/garage/workshop building - APPROVED (Granville Road north side)”

“89/1570 Outline application for the demolition of existing building and erection of dwellings – ALLOWED AT APPEAL (Granville Road north side)”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Two residents raised questions about the retaining wall, trees, boundaries, parking arrangements and street lighting.

“Local Residents: 2 representations received raising the following (summarised) issues:”

“Query who will be responsible for the planted retaining wall on completion of works. • When needed the current owner would arrange to have the pine trees cut back to allow more light into the gardens of 40, 40a and 40b. Query whether these trees will be completely removed. • Seeking a clearer understanding of the proposed boundary design between the site and the martial arts club as understood this would be a brick wall.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent addressed the meeting on behalf of the applicant.

The decision

Permission was granted subject to the conditions set out for the development.

“RESOLVED: That permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report.”

Minutes