87 homes at Hastings Road, Pembury

The site and surroundings

The site is open grassland beside Pembury, north of the A21, within the development boundary and High Weald National Landscape.

“The site is within the development boundary, adjacent to the southern settlement edge of Pembury and north of the A21 corridor. The site area is 4.89ha, open grassland and is allocated for residential development in the Local Plan policy AL/PE 3. It comprises two fields enclosed by varying degrees of trees and other vegetation on all sides, including a pocket of ancient woodland on the southwestern boundary. A tree line partially divides the site from south to north.”

“The site is located within the High Weald National Landscape (HWNL), with the boundary along the northern edge of the site. This site adjoins the Green Belt that encompasses the adjacent A21 highway and land to the south. To the north and on…”

Officer report

Planning history and allocations

The site is allocated for housing, alongside two connected sites; a neighbouring outline application was also being considered.

“RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY (including appeals and relevant history on adjoining sites): Planning Application Proposal Decision Date 26/00300/ENVSCR”

“EIA Screening Opinion: Residential Development (24/03141/FULL) EIA not required 03.03.26 24/02085/OUT Land adjoining site to the east at AL/PE2 Outline (access only) - Demolition of existing buildings & equestrian facilities, development of up to 99 dwellings with landscaping, cemetery expansion & associated infrastructure On committee agenda…”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

Objectors, supporters, a parish council representative and a ward member registered to speak on the application.

What members discussed

Members discussed affordable housing, family homes, infrastructure contributions, highway mitigation, design guidance and residents’ concerns.

“- It was important to keep sight of how the development was well planned and would meet the neds of many while benefiting the local community. - The development would consist of 40% affordable housing. It was welcomed that the development would bring forward all houses and no flats, allowing young families to have access to gardens.”

“- Pembury Parish Council’s Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) highlighted ‘to seek proportionate developer contributions in respect of residential schemes to be used towards the provision of a necessary highway junction improvement, mitigation measures including the improvements to Pembury Road, speed reduction, Woodsgate Corner and improvement works on the access to the A21’. The development would contribute to delivering this.”

Minutes

How members voted

Members voted to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation, with six votes in favour, two against and one abstention.

“Decision/voting – On the basis that members were satisfied that all relevant planning considerations had been covered within the report, a motion was proposed by Councillor Pound, seconded by Councillor Britcher-Allan, and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted permission subject to the plans, conditions, wording updates, a legal agreement and the listed financial contributions.

“RESOLVED – That application PLA282/25 be granted subject to the plans and conditions (with necessary wording updates) as set out in the agenda report and subject to the completion of:”

“I. A legal agreement under s106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) in a form agreed by the Head of Legal Partnerships and the Head of Planning (subject to minor alterations, projects and recalculation as necessary by the Head of Planning) to secure:”

Minutes