350 homes at Coblands Nursery, Trench Road, Tonbridge

What people said

Eighty-three responses opposed the scheme over traffic, services, drainage, ecology, countryside, facilities and construction, while one response supported additional housing.

“- Insufficient school spaces and local services (including doctors) to support the development. - Unsuitable access and further worsening of road conditions. - Lack of amenities in the area. - Poor bus service serves the area. - Detrimental impact upon residential amenity. - Loss of mature hedgerows and planting. - Increased risk of flooding and poor drainage. - Destruction of unique habitats and loss of open space. - Impact upon wildlife. - Increased traffic.”

“- Need for housing of various forms in the Tonbridge location, especially of an affordable nature. - Tonbridge provides much in the form of established local amenities and facilities including good transport links, road networks, schools, entertainment, employment and shopping, which makes it a very attractive place to live.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent addressed the committee in person.

What members debated

Members recognised housing, access, school parking and infrastructure benefits but debated congestion, highway capacity, parking, water, drainage and mitigation.

“During detailed consideration of the application, Members acknowledged the benefits arising from the redevelopment of previously developed land, the delivery of market and affordable housing, the proposed pedestrian and cycle link to Tonbridge Farm Sports Ground, the provision of parking to support the adjoining primary school and the proposed infrastructure contributions.”

“Concerns were raised regarding potable water supply and the capacity of the foul drainage network and wastewater treatment infrastructure. Members questioned whether the recommended foul drainage condition could be strengthened. In response, Members were advised that the condition recommended by Southern Water was a pre-commencement, Grampian-style condition which would prevent development from commencing until the required details had been submitted and approved.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee voted 10 in favour, one against and two abstentions on the motion to grant permission.

“Following debate, it was proposed by Councillor Davis, seconded by Councillor King and, following a vote of 10 in favour, one against and two abstentions, the Committee…”

“RESOLVED: That planning permission be GRANTED in accordance with the submitted details, conditions, reasons and informatives set out in the main and supplementary reports of the Director of Planning, Housing and Regulatory Services, subject to:”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted subject to the Section 106 agreement, conditions, informatives and additional local employment, labour plan and bus shelter requirements.

“(1) the completion of a Section 106 agreement and the recommended Heads of Terms, together with an additional Head of Term relating to local employment obligations and local supply- chain commitments, with the detailed wording being delegated to the Director of Planning, Housing and Regulatory Services;”

“(2) an additional Condition requiring the submission and approval of a Local Labour Plan prior to commencement of development, setting out measures to promote local employment, apprenticeships, training opportunities and community benefits for residents of Trench Ward during the construction and operational phases of the development, with the detailed wording being delegated to the Director of Planning, Housing and Regulatory Services in consultation with the Chair of the…”

Minutes