The meeting primarily focused on a single planning application for three detached dwellings with double garages on land between Birchfield and Mid Kent Nurseries, Ashes Lane in Hadlow. The application was ultimately approved despite being in the Greenbelt, with significant discussion on its merits and potential conditions.

Planning Application for Land Between Birchfield and Mid Kent Nurseries, Ashes Lane in Hadlow

Proposal Details:

• The application was for three detached dwellings with double garages.
• The site is located in the Greenbelt and countryside, with protected trees at the front and a public footpath at the rear.
• The site was previously used for brickwork and manufacturing enameled items, but no structures remain.

Presentation and Discussion:

• Mariah Brown, Senior Planning Officer, presented the application, highlighting the site's layout, access from Ashes Lane, and the presence of mature trees.
• The agent raised three points for consideration: limited infilling of a village, a suggested planning condition for passive house standards, and concerns about future pressures on mature trees.
• Michael Rogers, the applicant, spoke in favor of the application, emphasizing the site's brownfield status, lack of objections from various authorities, and the need for rural housing.

Committee Deliberation:

• Councillor Lark supported the application, citing the site's unusable condition for agriculture and the applicant's efforts to address concerns.
• Councillor Taylor opposed the application, stressing the importance of preserving the Greenbelt.
• Councillor Coffin and Councillor Betz supported the application, highlighting the site's history, the need for housing, and the eco-friendly design of the proposed dwellings.

Decision:

• The committee voted to approve the application with eight votes in favor and three against.
• Conditions will be delegated to officers, including potential requirements for passive house standards and management of ponds and wildflower meadows.
• The approval is subject to a Section 106 agreement, which the agent has agreed to.

Appeals Update

• The committee noted that three out of four recent appeals were dismissed by inspectors, indicating a strong performance by the planning department.
• Costs for the one successful appeal have not yet been submitted.

The meeting concluded at 8:04 PM.